Apple Pie Bars Recipe For Fall Moments

Apple pie bars combine everything you love about classic pie in a form that’s far more convenient to serve and share.

No need for perfect crimping or worrying about soggy bottoms—just slice and enjoy.

They’re ideal for potlucks, picnics, or any time you want homemade dessert without the fuss.

The buttery crust and sweet filling create a comforting treat that feels like home.

Kids gobble them up at lunch, and they disappear fast at gatherings.

Baking something familiar yet easy makes any occasion feel special.

If you need a crowd-pleasing dessert that travels well and tastes amazing, it’s time to get baking.

Why Apple Pie Bars Are Easier Than Pie

• Quick Dessert Treat: These apple pie bars give you a faster, simpler way to enjoy classic pie flavors without rolling out complicated pastry dough.
• Crowd-Pleaser Option: Serving these bars means everyone gets a perfect portion with crisp edges and soft centers that work great for potlucks or family gatherings.
• No-Fuss Baking: The straightforward mixing and layering technique means even novice bakers can confidently create a delicious dessert without complicated steps.
• Versatile Snack: These bars work perfectly as an afternoon treat, packed lunch surprise, or casual weekend dessert that feels special without being overly complicated.

Core Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars

• Coconut Oil (100 grams): Provides rich, smooth texture for your crust and creates delicious crumbly layers.
• Spelt Flour (130 grams + 25 grams): Gives a hearty, nutty foundation for your bars with a gentle wheat-like flavor.
• Almond Flour (20 grams): Adds a subtle nuttiness and helps create a tender crust texture.
• Coconut Sugar (50 grams + 40 grams): Offers a caramel-like sweetness that enhances your entire dessert.

• Apples (2 large): Fresh fruit that brings natural sweetness and delightful texture to your bars.
• Lemon Juice (from half a lemon): Brightens the apple flavor and prevents fruit from browning.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): Warming spice that complements the apple perfectly.
• Ground Ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, spicy undertone to your filling.
• Ground Nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Provides a gentle, aromatic depth to the dessert.

• Old-Fashioned Oats (50 grams): Creates a delightful, crunchy texture for your bar topping.
• Toasted Hazelnuts (50 grams, crushed): Brings a rich, toasty crunch that elevates the entire dessert.
• Spelt Flour (30 grams): Helps bind your crumbly topping together.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, sweet undertones throughout the dessert.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the sweet flavors.

Basic Tools for Apple Pie Bars

• 9×13 inch Baking Pan: Perfect for spreading out your shortbread base and creating evenly sized bars that look professional and neat.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining your dry ingredients, mixing the shortbread dough, and preparing the apple filling with plenty of room to work.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing apples into thin, even pieces that will cook consistently throughout the bar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for getting the right proportions of flour, sugar, spices, and other ingredients to ensure your bars turn out delicious.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly and pressing the shortbread mixture into your baking pan with even pressure.
• Cooling Rack: Helpful for allowing your bars to cool completely and set properly before cutting into neat squares.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing apples and preparing your ingredients with ease.

Preparing Apple Pie Bars Step by Step

Extra Kitchen Insight For Apple Pie Bars

• Choose a mix of all-purpose and almond flour for a tender, rich shortbread base that’ll give your bars a delightful texture.
• Melt the coconut oil completely before mixing to ensure smooth, even distribution throughout your shortbread dough.
• Slice apples thinly and toss with lemon juice quickly to prevent browning and add a bright, fresh flavor to your filling.
• Don’t skimp on cinnamon and nutmeg – these warm spices transform your apple bars from simple to spectacular.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to get clean, neat edges that’ll make your dessert look professionally made.

Popular Variations for Apple Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to make these bars safe for your celiac friends, keeping the same measurements and process.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace coconut oil with plant-based butter and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free treat.
• Pear Alternative: Trade apples for ripe pears and keep the same spice blend, which gives your bars a subtle change in flavor while maintaining the classic crumbly texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Cut sugar by half and add mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture and natural sweetness in your bars without excess refined sugar.

How To Serve Apple Pie Bars

• Serve Warm or Chilled: These apple pie bars taste fantastic slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing treat.
• Perfect Portion Size: Cut the bars into neat 2-inch squares for easy handling at parties or casual gatherings with friends.
• Pair with Beverage: Enjoy these bars alongside a hot cup of black tea or a cold glass of apple cider to complement the warm apple flavors.
• Store and Share: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert for potlucks or family gatherings.

What’s The Best Way To Store Apple Pie Bars

• Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, where they’ll stay perfectly fresh and crisp.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or place between parchment paper layers to prevent sticking when storing in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
• Freeze the bars flat in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between each layer, which keeps them tasty for about a month.
• When ready to enjoy a frozen bar, simply let it thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.

Apple Pie Bars Helpful FAQs

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 52 minutes – 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s apple pie bars bring warm memories of family gatherings straight to your kitchen counter. Buttery crumble and sweet cinnamon-spiced apples make these simple bars the perfect treat for sharing with friends and loved ones.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients:

• 2 large apples
• 130 grams spelt flour
• 50 grams spelt flour
• 30 grams spelt flour

Supporting Ingredients:

• 100 grams coconut oil
• 50 grams coconut oil
• 50 grams old-fashioned oats
• 50 grams coconut sugar
• 40 grams coconut sugar
• 20 grams almond flour
• 50 grams toasted hazelnuts

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• juice from half a lemon

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Instructions

1. Whisk 100 grams melted coconut oil, 20 grams almond flour, 50 grams coconut sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 130 grams spelt flour together until a smooth dough forms.
2. Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13 inch baking pan, creating an even layer across the bottom.
3. Bake the crust at 300°F for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
4. Remove the crust and let it cool completely at room temperature.
5. Peel and thinly slice 2 large apples, then toss with 25 grams spelt flour, 40 grams coconut sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
6. Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
7. Mix 50 grams oats, 60 grams coconut sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 30 grams spelt flour, 50 grams coconut oil, and 50 grams crushed hazelnuts until crumbly.
8. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the apple layer.
9. Increase oven temperature to 350°F and bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping turns golden brown.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares for serving.

Notes

• Always use room temperature ingredients to help the shortbread crust mix evenly and prevent clumping.
• Slice apples thinly and evenly to ensure consistent cooking and a balanced texture throughout the bars.
• Consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour in both the crust and topping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 42-50 minutes
• Category: Dessert Bars
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 237 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 52 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg