The Best Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Apple Pie Bars are a fun, easy twist on traditional apple pie—think all the same cosy flavors, but in a handheld, snackable form!

Instead of a classic pie crust, these bars start with a buttery shortbread-like base, topped with a sweet and spiced apple filling, and finish with crumbly streusel topping.

Once baked and cooled, you can slice them into squares or bars, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or just an afternoon treat.

The best part? No pie dish, no lattice crust, and no rolling pin required.

You get that warm apple-cinnamon flavor you love from homemade apple pie, but in a much simpler and quicker recipe. It’s apple pie made easy—and irresistible.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just want a cozy dessert to go with your favorite fall juice, this recipe is a total winner.

Now that I’m in charge of the kitchen, I’ve taken that memory and turned it into a simple, delicious bar recipe that anyone can make.

No fancy tools, no rolling out pie dough, just everyday ingredients and a whole lot of love.

How To Make Apple Pie Bars?

🍎 Recipe Overview

These apple pie bars are made with a buttery pastry crust, a sweet cinnamon-apple filling, and a crunchy sugar topping. They’re easy to slice, serve, and enjoy—no pie pan needed.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Difficulty: Easy
• Yield: 12–16 bars
• Calories: ~280 per serving

🛠 Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe. Here’s what I use:

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or two forks
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper (for easy lifting and cleanup)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk or fork (for the egg wash)

📝 Ingredients

For the Pastry Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 cup milk (2% or whole)

For the Apple Filling:

• 5 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (I use a mix of Granny Smith & Honeycrisp)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Topping:

• 1 egg white, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons turbinado sugar (for that crunch)

🍏 Ingredient Notes

1. Apples: I like the combo of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp, but any firm apple will work.

2. Butter: Cold butter is key for a tender crust. I cut mine into cubes and pop it in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before using.

3. Flour: All-purpose works great here; no need for anything fancy.

4. Turbinado sugar: Adds a nice crunch on top. You can use regular granulated sugar if that’s what you have.

5. Egg yolk + milk: Makes the crust rich and easy to press into the pan.

👩‍🍳 Instruction

Step 1: Make the Crust

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and milk until the dough comes together.
• Press two-thirds of the dough into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Chill the remaining third of the dough in the fridge while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

• In a large bowl, toss the apples with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Let it sit for 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle.
• Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.

Step 3: Add the Topping

• Crumble the remaining dough over the apples. It doesn’t need to cover them completely—those peek-through apples look beautiful when baked.
• Brush the top with beaten egg white and sprinkle generously with turbinado sugar.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This part is hard, but it helps them set up nicely.

🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 110mg

How to Store Apple Bars?

Once cooled, these apple pie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

If your kitchen runs warm, I recommend keeping them in the fridge to help the crust stay crisp and the apple filling fresh.

To store in the fridge, place the bars in a single layer in a container or separate layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep well for 4–5 days.

Can You Freeze Apple Pie Bars?

Yes, absolutely! These apple bars with pie crust freeze beautifully. Once the bars are completely cooled, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.

This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the texture intact. You can freeze them for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

You can even pop them in the oven or toaster oven at 300°F for a few minutes to refresh that just-baked feel.

Why You Will Love This Apple Pie Bars Recipe?

There are so many reasons these apple pie bars are a favorite in my kitchen:

1. No rolling required – You press the crust right into the pan. So much easier than a classic pie.

2. Perfect for sharing – Cut into neat squares and bring them to parties, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.

3. That filling! – Sweet, tart apples, warm spices, and just the right balance of sugar make every bite cozy.

4. Customizable – Want a crumb topping? A drizzle of caramel? A scoop of vanilla ice cream? Go for it!

5. Make-ahead friendly – You can store or freeze them easily, which makes life simpler during busy weeks.

If you’re looking for an easy apple bar recipe that delivers all the apple pie vibes without the work, this is the one to try.

💡 Tips

1. Make it ahead: You can bake these a day in advance. Store at room temperature and slice before serving.

2. Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the filling or topping would be great for crunch.

3. Crumb topping version: Want more of a crumb topping feel? Mix a little oatmeal into the reserved dough.

4. Short on time? Use store-bought pie crust. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still taste great.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

These bars are amazing on their own, but if you want to dress them up:

1. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream

2. Drizzle with caramel sauce

3. Add a dollop of whipped cream

They also make a great addition to brunch or a fall dessert table.

❓ FAQ

👋 Final Thoughts

These apple pie bars have saved me more than once when I needed a quick dessert that felt like home.

I hope you give them a try and love them as much as I do. If you bake them, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how they turned out or what twist you added.