Apple Pie Bars: Fall’s Easiest, Most Craveable Dessert
A perfect balance of sweet and tart fruit in buttery shortbread with a golden crumble.
Apple Pie Bars: The Ultimate Fall Dessert
If you revel in the flavors of autumn—crisp apples, aromatic spices, and buttery crusts—the Apple Pie Bars recipe promises to be your new go-to treat. Easier than traditional apple pie, these decadent bars deliver everything you love in classic pie, transformed into shareable, snack-friendly squares. Perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home, they combine a soft shortbread base, a luscious apple filling, pecan-studded crumble, and a golden maple glaze.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Bars
- Easy Assembly: No tricky pie dough or blind baking—just a straightforward shortbread crust that doubles as the crumble topping.
- Bold Apple Flavor: A blend of tart and sweet apple varieties ensures every bite pops with fruit-forward taste.
- Irresistible Texture: Buttery, tender base with fork-tender apples and crunchy pecans.
- Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: Adds a sweet, glossy finish that elevates flavor and appearance.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bars are easy to portion, serve, and pack for events or snacks.
- Make Ahead: Cools fast and travels well—ideal for prepping ahead of time.
Ingredients For Apple Pie Bars
Gather your baking staples and market-fresh apples to pull together every layer of this recipe:
Crust and Topping
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Filling
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tsp. apple pie spice
- Pinch of salt
Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
- 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 Tbsp. milk or heavy cream
Tip: Choose any baking apples you love! You need 6 large apples (about 3 pounds total).
Step-by-Step Directions
Preparing the Crust and Topping
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy bar removal.
This clever lining makes lifting and slicing neat and effortless. - In a large bowl, beat butter, both sugars, and vanilla until light and airy (4 to 5 minutes with electric mixer). Scrape bowl as needed.
Proper creaming ensures an even, tender crust. - Add flour and salt. Mix on low speed just until blended.
A short mix prevents toughness. - Press about 3/4 of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan with damp hands. Refrigerate for 15 minutes for firmer structure.
- Reserve the remaining 1/4 crust mixture (approx. 1.5 cups), chilling until ready for the crumble topping.
- Bake crust for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
Making the Apple Filling
- Toss sliced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples in a large bowl with apple cider vinegar.
Vinegar keeps apples bright and enhances flavor. - Add brown sugar, cornstarch, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Coat apples thoroughly for glossy, flavorful filling.
- Spread apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust, leaving a tiny border at the edges.
Finishing the Topping
- Tear reserved chilled crust into small pieces. Mix in chopped pecans.
- Sprinkle pecan-dough topping evenly over apples. This creates the signature bar look and adds crunch.
- Bake 1 hour, rotating the pan halfway through, until apples are fork-tender and topping is golden. Cool in pan on a rack for 1 to 2 hours.
Whisking Up The Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk maple syrup, softened butter, cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and milk (or heavy cream) until smooth and glossy.
- Once bars are fully cooled, lift from the pan with parchment overhang. Place on a cutting board and drizzle evenly with glaze.
- Cut into squares and prepare to savor!
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Pro Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the parchment! It aids with easy removal and clean cuts.
- Chill crust before baking for clean layers that hold filling.
- Rotate pan halfway to bake apples and topping evenly.
- Cool completely in pan before cutting for tidy squares.
- Use fresh, firm apples for the most flavor and best texture.
Why Use Two Types of Apples?
This recipe capitalizes on Granny Smith apples for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweet crispness. The blend offers a balanced filling that’s firm, flavorful, and never mushy.
You can substitute with other favorite baking apples such as Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Fuji—just ensure you use about 3 pounds total.
Serving and Storing Apple Pie Bars
| Serving Suggestions | Storing Tips |
|---|---|
| Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled Top with extra glaze, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream | Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days Refrigerate for up to 1 week Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before serving |
Make Ahead & Variations
- Make Ahead: Prepare bars up to 24 hours before serving; glaze and cut just before enjoying for best appearance.
- Nuts: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Omit for nut-free bars.
- Spices: Try a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if you don’t have apple pie spice.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for gluten-free bars.
- Vegan Option: Substitute plant-based butter and cream cheese. Use non-dairy milk for glaze.
Apple Pie Bars vs. Traditional Apple Pie
| Apple Pie Bars | Classic Apple Pie |
|---|---|
| Shortbread crust & crumb topping Easy to slice and serve Hand-held, portable Quicker assembly Modern, casual presentation | Traditional pastry crust Requires rolling, shaping Served in wedges Longer prep and bake Classic, formal appearance |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make apple pie bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the bars a day in advance. Glaze and slice before serving for freshest taste and neatest presentation.
What apples are best for apple pie bars?
A combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the best balance of tart and sweet. Substitute any firm, flavorful baking apples you prefer.
Do apple pie bars freeze well?
Absolutely—wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Why use cornstarch in the filling?
Cornstarch thickens the juices released from the apples, preventing a soggy crust and ensuring the filling is glossy and cuts cleanly.
Can I make the recipe nut-free?
Yes—omit the pecans in the topping. Bars will still be rich and delicious.
Apple Pie Bars: Perfect For Fall Gatherings
With their crisp composition, robust apple flavor, and simple serving style, apple pie bars shine at any fall event—think potlucks, school parties, family dinners, or outdoor celebrations. Each square offers nostalgia, comfort, and seasonal charm.
Share with friends and family (or savor with a mug of cider)—these bars are destined to be a tradition.
Customizing Your Bars
- Apple Layer: Swap in pears or add a handful of dried cranberries for a twist.
- Spice Blend: Use chai spices or pumpkin pie spice for flavor variation.
- Crumble: Add rolled oats for texture, or try brown butter for depth.
- Maple Glaze: Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla bean for gourmet flavor notes.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Component | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Protein | 3g |
Apple Pie Bars Recipe Card
Prep Time: 30 min | Cook Time: 85 min | Total Time: 1 hr 55 min
- Yield: 16-20 bars
- Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
- Occasion: Fall, Thanksgiving, Casual Gatherings
Apple Pie Bars: Bringing Home The Flavors Of Fall
The magic in this recipe is how it captures autumn in every square—crisp apples, maple, cinnamon, and buttery crust in a snackable package. Bake a batch, and you’ll see why apple pie bars are the season’s brightest star.
References
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