These apple pie bars are like having a slice of apple pie in a fun, portable shape! With a buttery crust and sweet cinnamon apples, they are simply delightful.
Honestly, I love how easy they are to grab and go. Perfect for lunchboxes or a cozy evening snack. Plus, the smell of baking apples fills the house—so comforting!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This recipe uses melted unsalted butter for a rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith for a tartness that balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp also works wonderfully for a sweeter touch. Feel free to mix varieties for more depth of flavor!
Pecans: These add a nice crunch, but you can leave them out if you prefer. Walnuts or almonds could be interesting alternatives, or go nut-free altogether if needed.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works here. Dark brown will give a deeper flavor. You can use coconut sugar as a healthier alternative for something a bit different.
How Do I Get the Apples Nice and Tender?
Tender apples are key to a good filling. After slicing them, toss them with lemon juice, which helps prevent browning and adds zing! Don’t skip the tossing with sugar and spices; it helps the apples release their juices during baking, ensuring they cook down beautifully.
- Use thin slices for quicker cooking—about 1/4 inch thick.
- Let the apples sit for a few minutes after mixing with the sugar and spices. This draws out some moisture for better flavor.
How to Make Delicious Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for apple filling)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-55 minutes to bake. Total time is around 1 hour and 10-15 minutes to have delicious apple pie bars ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift out the bars later!
2. Create the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix it all together until everything is well blended. Then, add the flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Stir until you have a crumbly dough that’s sticking together.
3. Form the Crust:
Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it’s a nice, even layer to hold everything together!
4. Prepare the Apples:
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Make sure all the apple slices are coated well with the mixture for great flavor.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust you made in the pan. If you’re using chopped pecans, sprinkle those on top of the apples now.
6. Add the Crumble Topping:
Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the top of the apples and nuts. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven—this will add a nice texture!
7. Bake!
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Keep an eye out for the topping to turn golden brown and the apples to become tender.
8. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, take the bars out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once they’re cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out. Cut them into squares to serve.
9. Serve & Enjoy:
If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra special touch!
These apple pie bars are perfect for sharing or for enjoying as a snack. They combine the best flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for extra sweetness. Experimenting with different apple types can add unique flavors to your bars!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing!
Can I Freeze Apple Pie Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
What Should I Serve with Apple Pie Bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. A drizzle of caramel sauce also makes a lovely addition!