Love apple pie but hate the fuss of rolling out dough, crimping edges, and praying it bakes evenly? You definitely need to try Apple Pie Bars. All the cozy warmth and flavor of the classic buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumble topping but baked in a pan, sliced like brownies, and ready to feed a crowd.

They’re rustic, comforting, and perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime your kitchen needs to smell like cinnamon and nostalgia.

>>> Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies

💛 Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Bars

• Easier than traditional pie: No need to roll dough or worry about soggy bottoms.
• Feeds a crowd: Slice them small for gatherings or large for dessert with ice cream.
• Make-ahead friendly: They taste even better the next day.
• Freezer-friendly: Bake now, enjoy later.
• Cozy, classic flavor: Buttery crust, soft cinnamon apples, and a sweet crumble top.

📊 Quick Recipe Stats

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Bake time: 45–50 minutes
• Cool time: ~30 minutes
• Total time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars
• Calories: ~270 per bar (depends on cut size and apple variety)

🧾 Ingredients

Crust & Crumble Topping (same dough for both)

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Apple Filling:

• 4 cups peeled, thinly sliced apples (about 4–5 medium; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (73g) packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Optional: 1/4 tsp ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth

🍏 How to Make Apple Pie Bars

1. Make the Crust & Crumble

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugars, and vanilla.
3. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until crumbly dough forms.
4. Press about 2/3 of the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
5. Set the remaining 1/3 aside for the topping.

2. Make the Apple Filling

1. In a bowl, toss sliced apples with flour, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
2. Spread evenly over the crust.

3. Add the Crumble & Bake

1. Crumble the reserved dough over the apples.
2. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
3. Cool in the pan for at least 30–45 minutes before slicing. Chill for cleanest cuts.

🔁 Substitutions & Tips

• Apples: Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of both for depth.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Add crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping.
• Want caramel apple bars? Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before baking (or after).
• Less sweet? Reduce sugars slightly, especially in the filling.

🧊 Storage

• Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Fridge: Keeps well for 4–5 days; warm slightly before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze bars (cut or whole) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.