Flaky Apple Pie Bars bring the classic flavors of apple pie into a simple, handheld dessert. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed as a quick treat, they’re a delicious way to enjoy apple season!

⏳ Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12

📝 Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice

🍨 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or hands until a crumbly texture forms. Press half of this mixture into the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top, ensuring an even layer over the apples.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure they set properly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. These bars taste great as is or topped with a scoop of ice cream or caramel drizzle!

🔥 Tips for the Best Flaky Apple Pie Bars

🍏 Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a well-balanced flavor.
🧈 Keep the butter cold when making the crust to create a flakier texture.
🌡️ Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
🍯 Drizzle with caramel or dust with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No need to roll out pie dough!
The perfect combination of buttery, spiced, and sweet flavors.
Great for holidays, potlucks, or an easy homemade dessert.
Can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.

🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 260
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 18g
Fiber: 2g

❄️ Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: Prepare the bars a day in advance and store them at room temperature.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or enjoy cold.

🍽️ Conclusion

Flaky Apple Pie Bars are an easy, delicious twist on traditional apple pie. The buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping make every bite irresistible. Try them today for a comforting homemade treat that’s perfect for any time of year!