Addictive Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Hold on, I am drooling over this Apple Pie Bars Recipe. So addictive. So good. (especially with ice cream on top).

This apple pie bar recipe is perfect for a crowd and so fun since you cut it into bars and serve.

I have another post on how to make a homemade apple pie on the blog as well if a traditional pie is more your thing!

I snagged this apple pie bar recipe from Cameron’s Grandma recently. She makes it often and it’s always a hit when we all get together.

The recipe she used was actually Ina Garten’s Apple Pie Bars and I knew I had to make a version of my own.

I tested out Ina Garten’s recipe and it was obviously amazing. I mean, it has 4 1/2 sticks of butter in it how could it not be amazing?!

Although I must say, I wasn’t a fan of using the the dough for the both the crust and the topping so I made my own oatmeal streusel topping.

I think the slightly crunchy oats adds a delicious dimension to this apple pie bar recipe.

The oatmeal streusel topping is so great too because it’s simple to prepare and can be prepared actually 1 day ahead.

It may seem like there are a lot of steps to making these bars, so making the streusel topping in advance just means one less thing to do on the day you make these apple pie bars.

Here’s the gang.

And to make it easier, let’s split up what you need into 3 sections. Don’t be intimidated by the 3 layers! It’s not as labor intensive as it may seem.

Shortbread Crust:

Easier to make than a homemade pie crust, and it’s so buttery and delicious!

• Softened Butter
• Granulated Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• All-Purpose Flour
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Filling:

• Apples (I like to use ~6-8 apples (~3 lbs), and a mix between Pink Lady & Granny Smith or sweet + tart apples)
• All-Purpose Flour
• Granulated Sugar
• Cornstarch (or flour) – for the thickener.
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Lemon Juice

Streusel Topping:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (not quick cook or 1-minute_
• Brown Sugar
• All-Purpose Flour
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Butter, chilled

How to make these Addictive Apple Pie Bars

The shortbread crust, apple pie filling and delicious streusel topping are all simple to make and create the most delicious apple pie bar recipe ever. Let’s do it!

1. Make the streusel topping: Combine ingredients in a medium bowl and cut in butter. I like to do this first, cover, and chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the dessert.
2. Make the shortbread crust: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer. Press into a 9×13 inch glass baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Make the apple pie filling: Peel, core and slice the apples. Toss with seasonings in a large bowl and then cook apples on stove 5-8 minutes or until softened.
4. Place apple slices on top of shortbread crust layer.
5. Top apples with the oatmeal streusel topping.
6. Bake until top crust is golden brown. Cool for at least an hour. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & tricks for this Apple Pie Bars Recipe:

• Use a combination of 2 different apples. Some sweet, some tart. This helps to balance the overall flavor of the apple pie bars.
• For instance, I used Granny Smith which are tart and Pink Lady, which are sweet. Other tart apples include Braeburn. Sweet apples or sweet-tart apple ideas include Gala, Jonagold, or Honeycrisp.
• You can either precook your apples, or not. Now let me explain. I’ve tested this recipe both ways.
• Precooking your apples: Precooking your apple pie filling for 5-10 minutes before layering it on the shortbread crust is an added step, but it helps to release the fruits liquid and helps them cook down.
• Precooking your apples ensures thoroughly cooked apples in the finished dessert (not undercooked or crunchy) and never leaves you with a watery apple pie bar.
• If you don’t want to cook your apples, omit the cornstarch or flour and stir the apples together with the seasonings and lemon juice. Let the apples rest on the counter for 30-40 minutes and strain any excess juices that build up in the bowl.
• Be sure to slice apples all the same thickness. About 1/4th inch thick. I like to use the attachment on my kitchen aid stand mixer to peel, core and slice the apples evenly.
• To freeze: cool completely and store in freezer safe baggie or container. I like to slice and let cool on parchment paper.

the goods

Glass Baking Dish 9″x13″

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Vegetable Peeler

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Mixing Bowls

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HUNGRY FOR MORE? If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow me on Pinterest or Instagram. Sign up for my email list, too!

Apple Pie Bars

These Apple Pie Bars are made with a buttery shortbread crust, a perfect apple pie filling and finished off with a delicious oatmeal streusel topping. Highly recommend to serve with vanilla bean ice cream!

4.87 from 15 reviews

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Resting time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings: 12 large bars

Calories: 629kcal

Author: Tawnie Graham of Kroll’s Korner

1x2x3x

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust:

• ▢ 2 1/2 sticks softened, unsalted butter (20 Tbsp.)
• ▢ 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• ▢ 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• ▢ 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• ▢ 1 tsp. salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Apple Pie Filling:

• ▢ 6-8 apples (~3 lbs.) Mix of Granny Smith + Pink Lady cored, peeled, thinly sliced (~1/4 inch thick)
• ▢ 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 tsp. cinnamon
• ▢ 1/4 tsp. nutmeg (optional)
• ▢ 1 lemon, juiced (~ 2 Tbsp.)
• ▢ 2 Tbsp. cornstarch* see notes
• ▢ 1/2 cup water, as needed

Streusel Topping:

• ▢ 1 cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats (not quick cook or 1-minute)
• ▢ 1 cup brown sugar, packed light or dark is fine!
• ▢ 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• ▢ 1/4 tsp. salt
• ▢ 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
• ▢ 1 stick chilled, unsalted butter cut into cubes (8 Tbsp.)

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Instructions

• Make the streusel topping first: In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, salt and cinnamon. Cut in the chilled, cubed butter or mix with fingertips until the mixture comes together in clumps. Cover the streusel and place in refrigerator to chill while you prepare the shortbread crust and apple pie filling.
• Preheat the oven to 375°F. Make the shortbread crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
• In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter, white sugar and brown sugar together until creamy. Add in the vanilla and then with the mixer on low gradually add in the dry ingredients. Press this into a 9×13 glass baking dish and refrigerate for 20 minutes (don't skip this step!). Once chilled, bake for 18 minutes in the oven. Remove and let cool while you prepare the filling. Decrease the oven temperature to 350°F.
• Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl and mix in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg. Whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch and add to apples. (This is the thickener). Pour the apple mixture into a large saucepan over medium heat and cook for 5-8 minutes or until apples soften. Stir occasionally and add water as needed so apples don't burn or scorch pan.
• Layer the apples over the shortbread crust. Top the apples with the streusel. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let apple pie bars cool. Slice and serve as is or with vanilla bean ice cream!

Video

Notes

This recipe is adapted from the wonderful Ina Garten. I’ve made a few small changes but nothing too significant. 

Streusel Topping can be prepared 1 day ahead to save time; keep chilled.

Cook the apples on the stove until apples are soft and use a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch to transform the cooked fruit’s juices from runny mess to luscious, slice-able filling. Do not add too much thickener to your apple pie filling because it will turn it cloudy and pasty. Only need to cook for 5-8 minutes since apples will continue to cook in the oven.

Be sure to refer to step by step photos within blog post for guidance.

Find Kroll’s Korner on Instagram!Mention @krolls_korner or tag #krollskorner

Nutrition

Serving: 1large bar | Calories: 629kcal | Carbohydrates: 94g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 59g | Vitamin A: 873IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg

Hi, I’m Tawnie!

Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.

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