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A delightful twist on the classic dessert, these apple pie bars feature a buttery, flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and a simple vanilla glaze.
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These apple pie bars pack all the warm flavors of a classic apple pie into a simple, bar form—no fork required! Perfect for the holidays, casual get-togethers, or a sweet after-dinner bite.
Adapted from a cherished family recipe, these bars combine a flaky crust, perfectly spiced apples, and a light vanilla glaze to create a nostalgic fall favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredient Notes
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the crust, apple filling, and frosting (in separate pictures below). Read on for a few notes.
For the Crust
- Butter – unsalted butter, cold and cubed.
- Flour – all-purpose flour.
- Salt – regular table salt.
- Sugar (optional) – granulated white sugar.
- Water – cold ice water.
For the Filling
- Apples – we used a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, but feel free to use your favorites.
- Sugar – granulated white sugar.
- Flour – all-purpose flour.
- Cinnamon – ground cinnamon.
- Nutmeg – ground nutmeg.
- Butter – unsalted butter, melted.
For the Frosting
- Powdered sugar – confectioners’ sugar.
- Butter – unsalted butter, melted.
- Vanilla extract – pure vanilla extract.
- Milk – we used 2%, but any kind will work.
Supplies
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 10x15x1-inch jelly roll pan
- Whisk and spatula
- Rolling pin
- Knife for slicing apples
- Pastry cutter (optional, for crust)
Let’s Make Apple Pie Bars
Follow the steps below to make these delicious treats.
1
Mix Dry Ingredients.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the crust: flour, salt, and sugar (if using).
2
ADD THE BUTTER.
Cut the cold butter into cubes and add to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or fork to mix the butter into the flour until small, pea-sized pieces remain. You can also use a food processor, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
3
FORM DOUGH.
Add the cold water one tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to come together.
4
REFRIGERATE DOUGH.
Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5
Preheat the Oven.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 10x15x1-inch jelly roll pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
6
PREPARE APPLES.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices.
7
MAKE THE FILLING.
In a medium bowl, mix the apples with melted butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well-coated.
8
ASSEMBLE THE BARS.
Roll out one half of the chilled dough and press it into a jelly roll pan. Spread the apple filling over the bottom crust. Roll out the second half of the dough, place it on top, and trim any excess. Poke a few small holes with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
9
BAKE for 30-45 minutes.
Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Let cool completely.
10
Make Frosting.
Mix together powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk for desired consistency.
11
Frost and serve.
Once the bars have cooled completely, spread the frosting on top. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Classic apple pie flavor: All the goodness of apple pie, but easier to serve and enjoy.
- Perfectly flaky crust: Buttery and golden, it’s the perfect base for these bars.
- Spiced apple filling: Warm cinnamon and nutmeg with a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples.
- Simple vanilla glaze: A sweet finishing touch that ties everything together.
- Great for gatherings: Perfect for potlucks, family get-togethers, or a cozy dessert at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to commonly asked questions about making these apple pie bars.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are perfect for a nice balance of tart and sweet, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use store-bought crust for a shortcut, though homemade always tastes better!
Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, you can use a different size, but it may affect the thickness and baking time. A smaller pan will make thicker bars and may need a bit more time in the oven, while a larger pan will make thinner bars and bake faster. Keep an eye on them and adjust as needed!
How should I store these bars?
You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for about a week.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- Cold butter is the key to a flaky crust. Don’t skip chilling the dough—it helps the butter stay solid and creates those irresistible layers as it bakes, giving you a perfectly crisp, tender crust every time.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are our go-tos.
- Don’t skip the frosting! It ties everything together with a sweet finish.
More Apple Recipes
Apple Pie Bars
A cozy twist on the classic dessert, these apple pie bars feature a buttery, flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and a simple vanilla glaze.
- Total Time: 90-105 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 cup butter
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 6 tbsp cold water
Filling
- 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 6 large apples)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Frosting
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust as needed for desired consistency)
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar (optional).
- Cut in butter: Cut cold butter into cubes and use a pastry blender to mix until pea-sized crumbs form.
- Form dough: Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Divide in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Preheat to 350°F.
- Prepare apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice apples.
- Make filling: Toss apples with melted butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Assemble bars: Roll out half the dough and press into a jelly roll pan. Spread apple filling on top, roll out the remaining dough, place on top, and trim excess. Poke a few small holes with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Bake for 30-45 minutes, until golden and apples are tender. Cool completely.
- Make frosting: Mix powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and milk. Spread or drizzle over cooled bars.
- Cut and serve: Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Cold is key: Be sure to use cold butter and chill the dough – don’t skip this step for best results.
- Frosting: Adjust the milk in the frosting to get your preferred consistency—less milk for a thicker drizzle or more milk to make a thinner glaze.
- Cutting: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars before cutting.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for about a week.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 19.9 g
- Sodium: 111.9 mg
- Fat: 9.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.2 g
- Protein: 1.7 g
- Cholesterol: 25.4 mg
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