Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. These Flaky Apple Pie Bars combine all the best parts of a classic apple pie into an easy-to-make, portable treat that's perfect for any occasion.

I first made these bars on a crisp autumn afternoon when I was craving apple pie but didn't want to fuss with a full pie crust. What started as a simple experiment quickly became a family favorite, with each bite delivering layers of buttery, flaky crust and a sweet, spiced apple filling.

Why You'll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

If you're a fan of apple pie but want something a little more convenient, these bars are about to become your new go-to dessert.

First off, they're incredibly easy to make. Unlike a traditional pie, there's no need to roll out a finicky crust—just press the dough into the pan and let the oven do the work.

They're also perfect for sharing. Cut them into squares, and you've got a crowd-pleasing treat that's great for potlucks, bake sales, or just an afternoon snack.

The flavor is simply irresistible. With a buttery crust, juicy cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet crumb topping, every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Best of all, they're make-ahead friendly. These bars store beautifully, making them a great option for prepping ahead of time for events or just to have on hand for a quick sweet treat.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Flaky Apple Pie Bars lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a key role in creating the perfect dessert.

The crust and topping are made from a buttery shortbread dough. A mix of all-purpose flour, sugar, and cold butter creates a flaky, tender base that also doubles as the crumbly topping.

Fresh apples are the star of the show. I love using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Their firm texture holds up well to baking, ensuring each bite is full of juicy apple goodness.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring that classic apple pie flavor. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall warmth and depth of the filling.

A touch of lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning too quickly. It also adds a subtle brightness to the filling.

You'll also need a 9x13-inch baking pan to assemble and bake the bars to golden perfection.

How To Make These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Making these bars is a breeze, and the results are well worth the effort. Let's break it down step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the bars once they're baked.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. Press two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.

Next, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples, then toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a little flour to thicken the mixture. Spread the apples evenly over the crust.

Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the top of the apples, creating a crumbly, golden topping. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set up properly and makes for cleaner cuts.

Storage Options

These bars are just as delicious the next day, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to five days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.

Reheating is easy—just pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes for that just-baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these bars is how adaptable they are. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

If you love nuts, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for an extra crunch.

For a caramel twist, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the bars before serving. It adds a rich, indulgent flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples.

Gluten-free? Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and these bars will still turn out deliciously flaky.

If you prefer a softer texture, cook the apples slightly before assembling the bars. This ensures they become extra tender in the final bake.

No apples on hand? Try using pears or even peaches for a fun seasonal variation.

No matter how you make them, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead—gather your ingredients and bake up a batch today!

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