Delightful Apple Pie Bars

All the cozy apple pie flavor without the hassle of making a whole pie. These gooey, cinnamon-sweet bars are the kind you’ll “taste test” three times before they even cool.

I swear apple season sneaks up on me every year.

One minute we’re doing back-to-school chaos, and the next there’s a pile of apples on my counter because the youngest filled a whole bag by herself.

These apple pie bars are my shortcut to all the cozy pie flavor without wrestling a rolling pin!

They come out gooey and cinnamon-y with just the right crunch on top, and the kids grab them faster than I can cut them.

Even my tween, who pretends she doesn’t eat dessert anymore unless it’s Starbucks, absolutely loves them.

They’re basically apple pie you can hold in your hand…which makes them perfect for snack time, lunchboxes, or, you know, hiding in the kitchen just for you.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars

You don’t need a fancy pantry for these apple pie bars, just the usual baking stuff and a pile of apples!

Here’s what you need:

• Butter – melted down so it mixes smooth and makes the crust super rich
• Sugar – regular white sugar for sweetness all through the dough
• Brown sugar – gives that caramel-y flavor in the crust and topping
• Vanilla extract – just a splash makes everything smell amazing
• Flour – the base that holds the crust and crumb topping together
• Baking powder – a little lift so the crust isn’t too dense
• Salt – brings out the flavor in the sweet stuff
• Apples – peeled and chopped, the star of the whole recipe
• Cinnamon – cozy spice that makes it taste like fall
• Nutmeg – just a pinch for extra warmth
• Lemon juice – keeps the apples bright and adds a little tang

How to Make Apple Pie Bars

1. Prep the Pan

Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper so nothing sticks and it’s easy to lift the bars out later.

Go ahead and preheat the oven to 350°F while you’re at it.

2. Make the Dough

Stir together melted butter, white sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until it looks smooth and glossy.

Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt to get a crumbly dough that holds when you press it.

3. Press the Crust

Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom of your pan.

It doesn’t have to be perfect…just make sure there aren’t any big gaps.

To help, you can wet your fingertips a little so the dough doesn’t stick to your hands.

4. Mix the Apples

Toss the chopped apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until they’re all coated.

The apples should look glossy and smell like fall already.

If you want the apples to bake softer, you can cut them into smaller chunks.

5. Add the Filling

Spread the apple mixture over the crust in an even layer.

Don’t worry if it looks piled high because the apples will cook down in the oven.

Press them lightly with a spoon so they settle into the crust.

6. Top with Crumbs

Crumble the leftover dough all over the apples, leaving little gaps so the steam can escape.

This gives you those golden crunchy bits on top.

7. Bake the Bars

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the apples are tender.

The smell will tell you it’s close to done!

(But check at the 40-minute mark so it doesn’t overbrown.)

8. Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely before slicing or they’ll fall apart on you.

Once they’re set, cut into squares or rectangles.

Use a serrated knife for clean cuts without smashing the crust.

Sweet Little Squares of Happiness

Apple pie bars are one of those desserts that make the whole house smell amazing and actually feel doable on a busy day.

They’re easy to pack up for school lunches, bring along to a potluck, or just enjoy warm with a scoop of ice cream after supper.

Once you try them, you’ll be reaching for this recipe every time apple season rolls around!