--- title: "Irresistible Apple Pie Bars: A Sweet Slice of Heaven" id: "22958" type: "post" slug: "apple-pie-bars" published_at: "2026-05-11T18:37:49+00:00" modified_at: "2026-05-14T20:34:14+00:00" url: "https://www.crumbrecipes.com/apple-pie-bars/" markdown_url: "https://www.crumbrecipes.com/apple-pie-bars.md" excerpt: "This Apple Pie Bars recipe takes about an hour to prepare and serves 12. It features a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly walnut-topped layer. The Story ... Learn more" taxonomy_category: - "Dessert" --- Table of Contents [Toggle](#) [Jump to Recipe](#recipe) [Print Recipe](https://www.crumbrecipes.com/wprm_print/apple-pie-bars) This **Apple Pie Bars** recipe takes about an hour to prepare and serves 12. It features a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly walnut-topped layer. ## The Story Behind **Apples** are the star ingredient. A mix of Golden Delicious and Granny Smith provides balanced sweetness and tartness, complemented by cinnamon, nutmeg, and a walnut-spiced crumble topping. ## 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe - **Quick and Easy:** You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen, and who doesn’t love that? - **Perfect for Sharing:** A 9×13 pan full of warm bars is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a night in with your BFF. - **Versatile Apples:** You can mix and match your favorite apple varieties. Get creative! - **Customizable Toppings:** Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel? Yes, please! - **Satisfies Every Craving:** It’s like having your cake, or, rather, your pie, while still being a sensible adult. ## Ingredients You’ll Need Here are the ingredients you will need: | Ingredient | Quantity | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | | Butter | 1 pound (4 sticks, softened) | | | White Sugar | 3/4 cup | | | Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup (packed) | | | Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons | | | All-Purpose Flour | 4 cups | | | Kosher Salt | 1 & 1/2 teaspoons | | | Chopped Walnuts (or Pecans) | 1/2 cup | | | Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon (or up to 2 teaspoons) | | | Nutmeg | 1 teaspoon | | | Apples (variety of types) | 3 pounds (peeled) | (I used Golden Delicious and Granny Smith) | | Lemon Juice (fresh) | 2 tablespoons | | | White Sugar | 1/4 cup | | | Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | | | Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon | | | Butter | 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) | | ## How to Make It (Step-by-Step) Follow these steps to assemble the bars: ### STEP 1 Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. This is optional, but it makes removing the bars super easy. ### STEP 2 In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat **1 pound of butter** until smooth and creamy. Add **3/4 cup sugar**, **1/2 cup packed brown sugar**, and **2 teaspoons vanilla**. Beat for 1-2 minutes, making sure to scrape down the sides. It should look light and airy. ### STEP 3 Add **4 cups of flour** and **1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt** to the mix and beat until just combined. Don’t over mix, please! ### STEP 4 Take about **2/3 of the dough** and spread it into the bottom of your prepared pan, pressing it down evenly. Your crust should be about half an inch up the sides. [You Might Also Like : Pistachio Wedding Cookies](https://www.crumbrecipes.com/pistachio-wedding-cookies/) ### STEP 5 Chill the crust in the refrigerator for **20 minutes**. This step is important for achieving the right texture. ### STEP 6 Preheat your oven to **375 degrees F**. ### STEP 7 Bake the crust for about **18 minutes**, until golden brown. Once it’s out, lower the oven temperature to **350 degrees F**. ### STEP 8 While that crust cools, grab the remaining dough and mix in the **1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)**, **1 teaspoon cinnamon**, and **1 teaspoon nutmeg**. ### STEP 9 Peel, core, and slice **3 pounds of apples** into 1/8 inch-thick slices. Thinner slices cook more evenly. ### STEP 10 Toss those apple slices into a bowl with **2 tablespoons of lemon juice** to keep them from browning. Stir them around a bit as you slice to coat them. ### STEP 11 In a large skillet, melt **4 tablespoons butter** over medium heat. Add those apple slices, **1/4 cup sugar**, **1 teaspoon cinnamon**, and **1/2 teaspoon nutmeg**. Simmer for **12-15 minutes**, stirring often, until tender. ### STEP 12 Pour the apple filling into the baked crust, leaving a half-inch border around the edge. ### STEP 13 Get that chilled dough back from the fridge. Pinch off medium pieces and scatter them over the apples. ### STEP 14 Bake at **350 degrees F** for **25-30 minutes**, until the top is a lovely golden brown. ### STEP 15 Cool, slice, and serve. Top with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce if desired. ## Pro Tips for the Best Results - **Use a mix of apples** for the best flavor! Different textures and sweetness levels create a more interesting filling. - **Adjust spices** to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment, what’s life without a little spice? - **Chill that dough**, it makes a world of difference in the texture. ## Fun Variations & Topping Ideas ### Variations: - **Add berries**: Mix in some blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist. - **Cranberry sauce**: Toss in a bit for a tart contrast to the sweetness. ### Toppings: - **Ice cream**: A scoop of vanilla or caramel is a classic! - **Whipped cream**: Light, fluffy, and delicious. - **Toffee bits**: For a little crunch, scatter some over the top before baking. ## Storing and Reheating ### Storing: Store your apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to **three days**. If you want to keep them longer, stick them in the fridge for up to a week! ### Reheating: Pop your bars in the microwave for **15-20 seconds** to warm them up. Just be careful not to turn them into apple mush! ## Leftover Ideas Crumble leftover bars over yogurt or use them as a base for a layered dessert with caramel sauce and whipped cream. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### How do I ensure my apple pie bars don’t get soggy? Using a mix of firm apples helps prevent sogginess. Also, don’t skip chilling the crust, as it sets the stage for crispness. [You Might Also Like : Decadent Marlborough Pie: Your New Favorite Dessert](https://www.crumbrecipes.com/marlborough-pie/) ### Can I freeze apple pie bars? Absolutely! Just wrap them well and stick them in the freezer. When you’re ready to devour them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. ### What’s the best way to slice them? Use a sharp knife and let them cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. This will help them hold their shape. ## Conclusion These **Apple Pie Bars** are a convenient alternative to a traditional pie. For a related variation, check out these [Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars](https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/salted-caramel-apple-pie-bars/) . ## Apple Pie Bars This Apple Pie Bars recipe is a delicious twist on the classic dessert, featuring a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping, perfect for sharing with family and friends. [Print Recipe](https://www.crumbrecipes.com/wprm_print/apple-pie-bars) [Pin Recipe](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crumbrecipes.com%2Fapple-pie-bars%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crumbrecipes.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2026%2F05%2Fapple-pie-bars-2026-05-11-181059-1024x683-1.webp&description=Apple+Pie+Bars&is_video=false) Prep Time 30 minutes mins Cook Time 45 minutes mins Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 servings Course: Dessert, Snack Cuisine: American Calories: 300 [Ingredients](#recipe-22985-ingredients) [Method](#recipe-22985-instructions) [Notes](#recipe-22985-notes) ### Ingredients For the crust - 1poundButter, softened4 sticks - 3/4cupWhite Sugar - 1/2cupBrown Sugar, packed - 2teaspoonsVanilla Extract - 4cupsAll-Purpose Flour - 1.5teaspoonsKosher Salt For the filling - 3poundsApples, assorted types, peeled(Used Golden Delicious and Granny Smith) - 2tablespoonsLemon Juice, fresh - 1/4cupWhite Sugar - 1teaspoonCinnamon - 1/2teaspoonNutmeg For the topping - 1/2cupChopped Walnuts or Pecans - 1teaspoonCinnamon - 1teaspoonNutmeg - 4tablespoonsButter(1/2 stick for melting) ### Method Preparation 1. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal of bars. 2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 1 pound of butter until smooth and creamy. 3. Add 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat for 1-2 minutes, scraping down the sides until light and airy. 4. Add 4 cups of flour and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt, beating until just combined. 5. Take about 2/3 of the dough and spread it into the bottom of your prepared pan, pressing it down evenly. 6. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Baking the Crust and Filling 1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Bake the crust for about 18 minutes, until golden brown. Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. 3. Mix the remaining dough with 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans), 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg. 4. Peel, core, and slice 3 pounds of apples into 1/8 inch-thick slices. 5. Toss apple slices with 2 tablespoons lemon juice. 6. In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add apple slices, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until tender. 7. Pour the apple filling into the baked crust leaving a half-inch border. 8. Pinch off pieces of the chilled dough and scatter them over the apples. 9. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown. Serving 1. Cool, slice, and serve. Top with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce if desired. ### Notes For best results, use a mix of apples for different textures and flavors. Chill the dough for better texture and adjust spices as per your taste. [https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/whatsapp?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crumbrecipes.com%2Fapple-pie-bars%2F&linkname=Irresistible%20Apple%20Pie%20Bars%3A%20A%20Sweet%20Slice%20of%20Heaven](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/whatsapp?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crumbrecipes.com%2Fapple-pie-bars%2F&linkname=Irresistible%20Apple%20Pie%20Bars%3A%20A%20Sweet%20Slice%20of%20Heaven) [https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/pinterest?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crumbrecipes.com%2Fapple-pie-bars%2F&linkname=Irresistible%20Apple%20Pie%20Bars%3A%20A%20Sweet%20Slice%20of%20Heaven](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/pinterest?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crumbrecipes.com%2Fapple-pie-bars%2F&linkname=Irresistible%20Apple%20Pie%20Bars%3A%20A%20Sweet%20Slice%20of%20Heaven) [https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crumbrecipes.com%2Fapple-pie-bars%2F&linkname=Irresistible%20Apple%20Pie%20Bars%3A%20A%20Sweet%20Slice%20of%20Heaven](https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crumbrecipes.com%2Fapple-pie-bars%2F&linkname=Irresistible%20Apple%20Pie%20Bars%3A%20A%20Sweet%20Slice%20of%20Heaven) [https://www.addtoany.com/share](https://www.addtoany.com/share) ### Leave a Comment [Cancel reply](/apple-pie-bars/#respond)