Apple Pie Bars Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Meymi. This post may contain affiliate links.

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These apple pie bars are delicious and easy to make! You need simple ingredients to make this yummy treat.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe (1)

Today I am sharing another recipe with apples. If you made mystrawberry bars, you know how delicious and easy to make they are. I decided to share a fall version of them.

I use my cinnamon shortbread cookie recipefor the dough. These apple pie bars with shortbread crust are crunchy and soft. You’ll use the same dough for the crust and the crumbles to make these simple and from scratch apple pie bars.

Thick crust and crumbles with cinnamon and apples are so yummy and they are perfect any time of the year, especially in fall and winter.Apple Pie Bars Recipe (2)

Can You Freeze Apple Pie Bars?

Yes! You can keep in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can thaw these bars overnight in the fridge.

How to Make Apple Pie Bars with Crumb Topping

I start with apples.First I peel, core and slice the apples into small pieces. Then I place the chopped apples into a medium bowl and toss with lemon juice, sugar, flour (alternatively you can use cornstarch) cinnamon and nutmeg. I set aside the bowl.

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Next, I start to make the dough. I combine flour, cinnamon, and sugar in a large bowl.

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Then I add the cold cubed butter and cover with flour mixture soI cut the butter into the flour mixture easily with 2 forks until they look like breadcrumbs. (Alternatively, you can rub with your fingertips.)

Apple Pie Bars Recipe (5)

Later, I spread ⅔ of the mixture into the oven-proof dish with a spoon.I lightly flour the spoon to avoid it sticking to the flour-butter mixture. After that, I add the apple mixture over the dough and cover the apples with the remaining ⅓ of the dough. I make some big crumbles by squeezing the dough.

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Finally, I bake for 55 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and the crumbles are crunchy. I let it cool completelybefore slicing with a sharp knife. When it is cool, I cut it into 16 pieces.

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You can keep these bars in the fridge in an airtight container up to 4 days or you can freeze up to 3 months.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe (9)

Enjoy!Apple Pie Bars Recipe (10)

Other apple recipes you may enjoy!
  • Apple Blondies
  • Caramel Apple Bars
  • Puff Pasty Apple Turnovers
  • Apple Crisp Cookie Cups
  • Easy Apple Crumble Recipe
  • Apple Crumble Muffins
  • Dried Apples

Apple Pie Bars Recipe (11)

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

This delicious apple pie bars recipe with crumb topping is crunchy and soft. You'll use the same shortbread dough for the crust and the crumbles to make these easy and from scratch apple pie bars.

4.98 from 443 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 16 bars

Calories: 205kcal

Author: Meymi

Ingredients

Apple Filling

  • 550 g (4 and ½ cups-4 medium apples) chopped cubed apples
  • 30 g (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
  • 25 g (2 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon) all-purpose flour*
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Crust & Crumbles

  • 280 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour (dip and sweep)**
  • 185 g (¾ cup and 1 tablespoon) unsaltedbutter, cut into small cubes, cold
  • 105 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F(177C°). Grease 8 inch (20cm) square oven-proof dish and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, about 2 inches(5 cm) of overhang on each side.

Apple Filling

  • Peel, core and slice the apples into small pieces. Place the chopped apples into a medium bowl. Toss the apples with lemon juice, sugar, flour/cornstarch, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside the bowl.

Crust & Crumbles

  • Combine flour, cinnamon, and sugar in a large bowl.

  • Add the cold cubed butter and cover with flour mixture so you can cut the butter into the flour mixture easily. You can use 2 forks or a pastry blender. Alternatively, you can rub with your fingertips.

Assemble

  • Spread ⅔ of the mixture into the oven-proof dish with a spoon. Lightly flour the spoon to avoid it sticking to the flour-butter mixture. You can spread with your hand too. Add the apple mixture over the dough and cover the apples with the remaining ⅓ dough. You can make some big crumbles by squeezing the dough with your hand.

  • Bake for 55 minutes until the top becomes golden brown and the crumbles are crunchy. Let it cool completely before slicing. You can let it cool at room temperature for 1-1,5 hours and then you can keep in the freezer so it can cool faster. Once completely cool, lift the paper from the sides, remove the bars from the dish, cut into 16 pieces. You can keep in the fridge in an airtight container up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Notes

*You can use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch instead of flour.

**You can click here for dip and sweep method if you use cup measurements.

This is the knife I used to cut the apple pie bars.

This is the measuring cup set I used for the baking conversion chart.

The calorie information above is an estimate that is provided by an online nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Calories: 205kcal

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @PastryandBeyond or tag #PastryandBeyond!

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Apple Pie Bars Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do I have to peel apples for baking? ›

peel your apples. While the debate on whether or not to peel your apples seems never-ending, it really comes down to a matter of personal choice. Unpeeled apples will add a bit of color and texture to your pie, but they may prevent the apples from melding together when baked.

How do you keep apple pie from falling apart? ›

Now let's see how to prevent it.
  1. Use butter, not shortening. The solidity of unmelted fat is part of what helps pie crust hold its shape as it bakes. ...
  2. Keep water to a minimum. This pie pastry looks good, doesn't it? ...
  3. Roll sparingly. ...
  4. Choose apples that hold their shape. ...
  5. Vent the top crust.
Sep 13, 2017

What apples stay firm in pie? ›

Granny Smith Apples

The flesh is firm and crunchy and holds up well under long bake times.

How do you thicken canned apples for pie filling? ›

  1. Cornstarch: Mix with cold water, add to filling, and cook until thick.
  2. Flour: Stir a few tablespoons into the filling.
  3. Tapioca: Use instant tapioca as a thickener.
  4. Reduce Liquid: Cook the filling on the stovetop to evaporate excess liquid.
Sep 25, 2022

What happens if you don't peel apples for apple pie? ›

I think the peels add flavor and texture, and as you mention, nutrition. I leave the skins on, slice the apples, and soak them in cinnamon, sugar, and a little salt for a day or two. Then I drain and layer the pie with apples, cinnamon, and sugar several times and bake. I've never had complaints.

Can I cut apples the night before for apple pie? ›

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you're going to cook apples, it's fine to prep them a day or two in advance.

Should I soften apples before baking? ›

Why you should sauté your apples before baking them. You can keep the texture of a firm apple and add a ton of flavor by sautéing your apples in butter before baking them.

Why is my apple pie full of liquid? ›

One of the chief reasons bakers end up with apple soup under the crust is failure to bake their pie long enough. There's almost no such thing as over-baking an apple pie; I've baked apple pies for 2 hours and longer, and they turn out just fine.

Should I soften my apples or leave them uncooked for apple pie? ›

Should you cook the apples before baking apple pie? You don't have to pre-cook the filling before spooning it into the pie crust, but it's a quick step I recommend. Just 5 minutes on the stove begins the softening process, and also helps the flavors start to mingle.

Why did my apples turn to mush in my pie? ›

Perfect Pie Tip #6: Choose Tart Apples

When apples are cooked, this pectin breaks down, and the apples turn mushy.

How many apples for an 8 inch pie? ›

The trouble when you're shopping for apple pie supplies, however, is guessing how many you'll need to make an eight- or nine-inch pie. Depending on the variety you're using, a good rule of thumb is to get around eight to 10 apples for each pie.

What is the best thickener for apple pie? ›

When thickening a fruit pie filling, there are several options to consider. Very often flour or cornstarch is used, but in certain instances tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency.

How many apples equal 4 cups? ›

Generally speaking, one pound of roughly chopped apples yields four cups.

Is cornstarch or flour better for thickening apple pie? ›

Cornstarch makes for a shiny, glossy filling. A little goes a long way because it has twice the gelling power of flour. Flour thickens nicely but leaves more of a matte finish. You'll need to use twice as much as you would with cornstarch.

Can you cook apples with the skins on? ›

Much of the apple's fiber is found in the peel, along with the majority of the apple's antioxidant Vitamin E and bone-building Vitamin K. Peeling is a pain! Skipping the peeling makes these healthy baked apple slices an ultimate easy dessert recipe.

Why do you need to peel the skin off of apples before baking them in apple crisp? ›

Some good varieties include Honeycrisp, Fiji, Gala apples, Green Apples or Golden Delicious. Peel the apples for smoother consistency. You don't have to peel the apples if you like the texture that the skin provides. But normally, the skin doesn't break down as easily, which can create a tougher texture.

Can you leave the skins on apples? ›

The Hidden Benefits in Apple Skins

Apples are known for being a good source of vitamin C but did you know that a peeled apple only has half the vitamin C? When you eat a medium size apple with the skin on, you get 20% of your daily recommended amount but if you peel it, you'd have to eat two apples to hit that mark.

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