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Apple Pie Bars

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All the flavor of classic apple pie, none of the fuss—these Apple Pie Bars are your shortcut to cozy dessert bliss.

With a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a golden crumb topping, they’re easy to slice, share, and savor.

Perfect for potlucks, holiday tables, or whenever a pie craving strikes without time to roll dough!

this recipe ⇨

Ingredients

For the Crust & Topping:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Apple Filling:

  • 5-6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Glaze (optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Amazon Saver, Old Fashioned Oats, 2.6 Lb (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)
Amazon Saver, Old Fashioned Oats, 2.6 Lb (Previously Happy Belly, Packaging May Vary)
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How To Make Apple Pie Bars

Prepare the Base:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press half the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the bottom crust.

Make the Filling:

  1. Peel and slice apples into thin, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch thick).
  2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.
  3. Spread apple mixture evenly over the crust.

Add Topping & Bake:

  1. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the apples.
  2. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and apples are tender.
  3. Cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Make the Glaze:

  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over cooled bars before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Apple Choice: Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked. Avoid Red Delicious or overly soft varieties.
  • Even Slicing: Keep apple slices uniform for consistent cooking.
  • Don’t Skip Cooling: Let bars cool completely before cutting or they’ll fall apart.
  • Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Make-Ahead: These bars actually taste better the next day as flavors meld together.

Variations

  • Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping
  • Mix in 1/4 cup dried cranberries with the apples
  • Substitute maple syrup for half the brown sugar for deeper flavor
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Apple Pie Bars

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Print Recipe

These Apple Pie Bars have all the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie in an easy-to-make bar form! With a buttery oat crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping—plus a drizzle of vanilla glaze—they’re the perfect handheld fall treat. Great for potlucks, parties, or whenever you crave apple pie without the fuss

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars

Ingredients

Scale
For the Crust & Topping:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
For the Apple Filling:
  • 5–6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Glaze (optional):
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Base:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press half the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the bottom crust.
Make the Filling:
  1. Peel and slice apples into thin, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch thick).
  2. In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice.
  3. Spread apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Add Topping & Bake:
  1. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over the apples.
  2. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top is golden brown and apples are tender.
  3. Cool completely in the pan before cutting.
Make the Glaze:
  1. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  2. Drizzle over cooled bars before serving.

Notes

• Apple Choice: Use firm apples that hold their shape when baked. Avoid Red Delicious or overly soft varieties.
•Even Slicing: Keep apple slices uniform for consistent cooking.
•Don’t Skip Cooling: Let bars cool completely before cutting or they’ll fall apart.
•Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
•Make-Ahead: These bars actually taste better the next day as flavors meld together.
 
Variations
•Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping
•Mix in 1/4 cup dried cranberries with the apples
•Substitute maple syrup for half the brown sugar for deeper flavor
  • Author: Jordan
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

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