Name: Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups unsalted butter (cold); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1½ teaspoons salt; ¾ cup ice water (add more as needed); 10-12 apples, thinly sliced and quartered (about 12 cups); ⅓ cup packed brown sugar; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon lemon juice; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3-4 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re craving the cozy flavors of traditional apple pie but want something easier to grab and serve, this Apple Pie Bars Recipe is absolutely perfect. Imagine buttery, flaky crust baked into bars topped with a luscious apple filling and finished with a luscious glaze—you get all the comfort with way less fuss. I first made these bars when I wanted a dessert that felt homey but was simpler to slice and share, and honestly, they’ve been a staple ever since. So grab your apples, and let me walk you through making these sweet, sliceable delights with ease!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Serve: No more messy slicing of pie—these bars are grab-and-go perfection.
Buttery Flaky Crust: The cold butter and ice water create that authentic pie crust texture, but in bar form.
Sweet & Spiced Filling: The cinnamon, lemon juice, and brown sugar balance the apple’s tartness beautifully.
Simple Frosting Finish: A quick vanilla glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and shine.

A close-up of a slice of apple pie resting on a dark baking tray, showing a thick, light brown apple filling with visible chunks inside a lightly golden, flaky crust. The pie has a layer of smooth, white icing on top, with small crumbs scattered around the tray. In the background, two red apples sit on a white marbled surface. The overall colors are warm with the pie’s soft tones contrasting with the apples’ bright red hues. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but thoughtfully combined for that perfect balance of texture and flavors. When shopping, look for crisp, firm apples that’ll hold up well during baking, and be sure your butter is cold—it’s the secret to a flakier crust!

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for both crust and filling thickening, be sure to measure it properly for best results.
Unsalted butter: I prefer using cold butter straight from the fridge to create that flaky texture in the crust.
Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust without overpowering it.
Salt: Just the right amount enhances all the flavors here.
Ice water: This helps bring the dough together without melting the butter—keep it chilly!
Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples works best; I like a combo of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth to the apple filling.
Cinnamon: Classic spice that brings out the apple’s fall flavors.
Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and prevents the apple slices from browning.
Powdered sugar: The base for the smooth, easy-to-drizzle vanilla glaze.
Vanilla extract: A little splash takes the frosting to the next level of yum.
Water (for glaze): Just enough to get your glaze to a pourable consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Apple Pie Bars Recipe is so versatile—feel free to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs. I often switch up the spices or add mix-ins depending on the season. The best part? It still tastes incredible no matter what adjustments you make!

Spice it up: I’ve added nutmeg or allspice before for a richer autumn vibe—it’s a cozy twist I highly recommend.
Gluten-free crust: I’ve had great success replacing regular flour with a gluten-free blend; just watch your dough’s hydration as it behaves slightly differently.
Nut topping: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top before baking add crunch and extra flavor—my family goes crazy for this one.
Caramel drizzle: For a decadent finish, drizzle some caramel sauce over the bars alongside the glaze. It’s fancy but still easy.

How to Make Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Pie Crust Dough

Start by combining the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut in cold, unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is the moment where cold butter shines—warm it too much, and the dough won’t be flaky. Slowly add ice water a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don’t overwork it! Divide the dough in half, wrap each in plastic, and chill them for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Preparing That Mouthwatering Apple Filling

While your dough chills, slice your apples thinly and quarter them for manageable bites. Toss the apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour to evenly coat. The flour helps thicken the juices so your bars aren’t soggy—trust me, it’s a game changer. This filling smells like autumn in a bowl and also builds anticipation for what’s next!

Step 3: Assembling & Baking Your Apple Pie Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one half of the chilled dough into a rectangle that fits your baking dish. Transfer it carefully and press into the bottom and slightly up the sides. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Roll out the second half of dough and gently place it on top—some folks like to create a lattice pattern, but I usually just cover it to keep things simple. Bake uncovered for about 55-60 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Watch it in the last minutes so you get that perfect golden top without burning.

Step 4: Finishing Touch with Vanilla Glaze

Once your bars have cooled enough to handle, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and water until smooth and drizzleable. I usually start with 3 tablespoons of water and add more if needed—glaze consistency is key. A thin, even drizzle over the bars adds a lovely shine and a sweet, smooth touch that complements the spiced apples. Let the glaze set for at least 20 minutes before cutting to avoid smudging.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Keep Butter Ice Cold: I learned the hard way that room temperature butter ruins flaky crust—always chill right up until mixing.
Don’t Overfill: Using too many apples makes the bars soggy; trust the recipe quantities for the best texture.
Use Tart & Sweet Apples: Mixing sweet Honeycrisp with tart Granny Smith gives that classic apple pie flavor burst.
Cool Before Glazing: If you glaze while bars are hot, the frosting melts away—patience pays off here!

How to Serve Apple Pie Bars Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a single-layer pie with a golden, flaky crust that has a detailed crimped edge. The filling is covered by a smooth, glossy white icing layer that looks slightly thick and evenly spread across the top. The pie sits on a white marbled surface with a few red apples blurred in the background, adding a pop of color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often serve these bars with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or chopped toasted pecans on top before baking for extra texture and flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside takes it into dessert heaven. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of caramel does wonders too—definitely worth trying!

Side Dishes

These apple pie bars also pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For brunch, I serve them next to a sharp cheddar cheese plate—the savory-sweet combo is surprisingly delightful. For holiday meals, just add some fresh fruit salad to light things up.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve sliced these bars into bite-sized pieces and served them on a tiered dessert tray at gatherings—it’s an instant hit! Another time, I layered them with whipped mascarpone in individual glasses for an apple pie-inspired parfait. Even simple, wrapped in pretty parchment and tied with twine, they make charming hostess gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking and glazing, I store these apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days—they’re still moist and delicious. For longer storage, I keep them in the fridge where they last about a week. Just bring them to room temp or warm slightly before serving.

Freezing

Freezing the bars works well! I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to get that fresh-baked vibe back.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method preserves the crust’s flakiness much better than microwaving, which can make it a bit soggy. If pressed for time, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave works in a pinch but go easy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples?

Absolutely! While this Apple Pie Bars Recipe is optimized for apples, you can easily swap in pears, peaches, or even berries. Just adjust sugar and thickener as needed since different fruits vary in sweetness and juiciness.
Do I have to make the frosting glaze?

The glaze is optional but highly recommended—it adds a pretty finish and a touch of sweetness that balances the tart filling. You can skip or substitute it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer.
What’s the best way to slice the bars?

Wait until the bars are fully cooled and the glaze has set, then use a sharp knife—running it briefly under hot water before slicing can help achieve clean cuts without cracking the crust.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature a few minutes before rolling out if very firm.

Final Thoughts

I truly adore this Apple Pie Bars Recipe because it captures all the classic flavors and textures of apple pie but in a more casual, everyday way. Whether I’m baking for family, friends, or just treating myself after a long day, these bars bring comfort and smiles every time. I hope you’ll enjoy making them as much as I do—and I can’t wait for you to hear how your loved ones go crazy for them too!