Description
These easy homemade Apple Pie Bars capture all the cozy flavors of classic apple pie in a handheld, sliceable treat. With a buttery crust, gooey apple filling, and crumbly topping, they’re perfect for fall gatherings, brunches, or bake sales.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 5 cups apples (about 5–6 medium), peeled, cored, and diced (mix tart and sweet varieties)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Optional Glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Optional Glaze: 1-2 tablespoons milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- Optional Glaze: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour in melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press about 2/3 of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
- In a second bowl, toss diced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining dough evenly over the apples, leaving some gaps.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the topping is golden and apples are bubbling around the edges. Rotate pan halfway through baking if needed.
- Let bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, then lift out using parchment overhang. For clean slices, cool completely on a rack.
- Optional: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars.
- Slice into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Vegan option: substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and egg with flaxseed ‘egg’. Add chopped nuts or oats to the crumble for extra crunch. Bars slice best when fully cooled. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: apple pie bars, fall dessert, easy apple bars, apple dessert, homemade apple bars, autumn baking, apple recipes, potluck dessert, brunch bars, handheld pie