Apple Pie Bars are the perfect treat when you crave all the flavor of classic apple pie without the fuss. With a buttery crust, juicy apple filling, and a sweet crumble topping, these bars make dessert easy to make and everyone loves them. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but they’re also great for fall bake sales.
Why You Want to Try Apple Pie Bars
- Simple homemade goodness: You don’t need any special skills in the kitchen to make these apple crisp bars. You just need basic pantry staples and fresh apples.
- Easy to eat classic flavor: Even picky eaters can’t resist the sweet apple filling and crumbly topping.
- Easy to share and serve: These bars cut neatly and pack up well, so they’re great for potlucks, lunchboxes, or bake sales.
Ingredients & Equipment
Apple crumble bars have a super simple ingredient list. You can easily find everything you need on your next trip to the grocery store.
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Flour
- Apples
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Apple pie spice
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from the kitchen:
- 8×8 baking dish
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry cutter (or fork)
- Silicone spatula
- Medium mixing bowl
- Vegetable peeler
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
Step By Step Instructions
This recipe makes 9 servings. It takes 20 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of bake time.
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350℉.
Step 2. Line a 8×8 baking dish with parchment.
Step 3. FOR CRUST: In a large bowl combine the unsalted butter, vanilla, salt, and flour. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to combine together until a crumbly texture has formed and the butter is evenly distributed throughout.
Step 4. Press the mixture into the bottom of your lined baking dish to make a crust and bake for 10 minutes. Allow crust to cool.
Step 5. FOR FILLING: Peel (if desired) and slice the apples into thin slices. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and apple pie spice.
Step 6. Layer the apple filling over the crust. Smooth out the apples so they lay flat and form an even layer.
Step 7. FOR TOPPING: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to combine until a crumbly mixture forms.
Step 8.Sprinkle the crumble streusel mixture over top of the apple layer.
Step 9. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
Step 10. Allow the bars to cool and then chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Cut into squares and serve.
Variations
- Swap the fruit: Try using pears, peaches, or mixed berries instead of apples in these fruit crisp bars.
- Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with icing: Add a simple powdered sugar glaze on top for extra sweetness.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover apple crumb bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months; just wrap them tightly or put them in a freezer bag. Thaw before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Use cold butter for the crust and crumble to keep them flaky and tender.
- Slice apples thin and even for a filling that bakes and softens well.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper to make lifting and cutting the bars easier.
- Let the bars cool before cutting so the layers hold together better.
- Taste your apples before adding sugar. If they’re very sweet, you can use less sugar.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought apple pie filling to save time. It’s a great hack.
What kind of apples work best for these bars?
I like to use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and add a nice tart flavor.
Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them the day before and store them covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples gives you a softer filling, but you can leave the skin on if you’re short on time.
Can I freeze leftover bars?
Yes, just wrap them well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.
More Apple Desserts
Equipment
Ingredients
CRUST
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup all purpose flour
FILLING
- 4-5 small to medium apples
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1½ tsp apple pie spice
TOPPING
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1¼ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Line a 8x8 baking dish with parchment.
CRUST
- In a large bowl combine the unsalted butter, vanilla, salt, and flour. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to combine together until a crumbly texture has formed and the butter is evenly distributed throughout.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of your lined baking dish to make a crust and bake for 10 minutes. Allow crust to cool.
FILLING
- Peel (if desired) and slice the apples into thin slices. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and apple pie spice.
- Layer the apple filling over the crust. Smooth out the apples so they lay flat and form an even layer.
TOPPING
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to combine until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Sprinkle the crumble streusel mixture over top of the apple layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool and then chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
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