Here's something you'll love—apple pie bars with all the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie, but in an easy-to-make, handheld form. These bars feature a buttery, flaky crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping that adds the perfect crunch.

I first made these when I needed a simpler alternative to traditional apple pie for a holiday gathering. They were an instant hit, disappearing faster than I could plate them. Now, they're my go-to dessert for everything from family get-togethers to casual weeknight treats.

Why You'll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Get ready to add a new favorite to your baking repertoire. These apple pie bars bring all the comfort of homemade pie without the hassle of rolling out a crust.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. Instead of meticulously shaping and crimping a pie crust, you simply press the dough into a pan. No need for special techniques or extra chilling time.

They also have the perfect balance of textures. The bottom crust is buttery and crisp, the apple filling is soft and spiced just right, and the crumbly topping adds a delightful crunch in every bite.

Not only are they delicious, but they’re also convenient. These bars are easy to cut, serve, and even transport, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, and holiday gatherings.

If you love classic apple desserts but want something that’s simple to prepare, these bars are exactly what you need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these apple pie bars lies in their simple yet high-quality ingredients. Every component plays a crucial role in creating that perfect bite.

The crust and crumble topping are made from the same dough, a blend of butter, flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. This shortcut saves time while still delivering a rich, flaky texture. Using cold butter is key—it helps create those delicious, crumbly layers.

For the filling, apples are the star. I recommend a mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. This combination gives the best flavor balance while maintaining the right texture after baking.

A touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the apples. The spices bring warmth to every bite, while the brown sugar adds depth and slight caramel notes.

A small amount of cornstarch or flour helps thicken the apple filling, ensuring it stays in place when you slice the bars. Without it, the filling could turn too runny, making the bars difficult to cut cleanly.

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch baking pan for this recipe. Lining it with parchment paper makes removing the bars much easier, so don’t skip this step!

How To Make These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Making these apple pie bars is easier than you think, and the process is as satisfying as the final result.

Start by preparing the crust and crumble topping. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside a portion of this mixture to use as the crumb topping later.

Press the remaining dough firmly into a parchment-lined baking pan. Make sure it's evenly spread out and reaches the edges. This layer will act as the sturdy base of the bars, so press it down well. Bake it briefly until it just starts to turn golden—this helps it stay crisp under the apple filling.

While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples, then toss them in a bowl with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a touch of cornstarch. The mixture should coat the apples evenly and start to release some juices.

Once the crust is slightly golden, spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over it. Be sure to arrange the apples in a flat, even layer so that every bite has the perfect apple-to-crust ratio.

Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the apples, ensuring full coverage. The buttery crumbles will bake up golden and crisp, creating a beautiful, textured topping.

Bake the bars until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. As they cool, the filling will set, making them easier to slice into perfect bars. For the best results, let them cool completely before cutting—this helps the layers hold together beautifully.

Storage Options

These flaky apple pie bars store wonderfully, making them great for meal-prepping desserts or leftovers.

To keep them fresh at room temperature, store them in an airtight container for up to two days. The crust will stay crisp, and the flavors will continue to develop.

For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to five days. Let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best texture.

You can also freeze these bars! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

If you prefer a nutty crunch, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping. They add extra texture and a toasty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

For a sweeter twist, drizzle the finished bars with homemade caramel sauce. The rich, buttery caramel takes them to the next level and pairs perfectly with the warm spices.

Want a gluten-free version? Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing.

If you love a hint of citrus, try adding a little lemon zest to the apple mixture. It brightens up the flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.

No matter how you customize them, these flaky apple pie bars are sure to become a favorite. Experiment with flavors, and enjoy every bite!