Apple Pie Bars

With no complicated steps and minimal effort, you can enjoy a slice of warm Apple Pie Bars any time of day. Enjoy a spiced, buttery shortbread crust and topping in lieu of a traditional pie crust, as well as that classic apple pie filling. Serve it plain, with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle it with some caramel sauce for an extra treat!

For me, apple is the star of the fall season! Even though technically, late summer is when apples ripen and are ready for picking, the warm spices of apple desserts have become synonymous with fall and all things cozy!

These delicious Apple Pie Bars are ready in just about an hour, making them a great choice for potlucks, holiday parties, or just to enjoy with your family this weekend!

Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars

Use store-bought apple pie filling or homemade apple pie filling for these sweet dessert bars. Here’s a full list of ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping

All-purpose flour

Baking powder

Ground cinnamon

Ground nutmeg

Ground cloves

Salt

Butter (salted or unsalted butter is fine, room temperature)

Shortening

Granulated sugar

Large eggs

Pure vanilla extract

Filling

Canned apple pie filling (cut the slices into bite-sized pieces for easier spreading and slicing)

Powdered Sugar Glaze

Softened butter

Powdered sugar

Ground cinnamon

Ground nutmeg

Milk

Pure vanilla extract

See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for a detailed list of ingredients!

How to Make Easy Apple Pie Bars

First, let’s make the buttery crust and topping!

While your oven preheats to 350 degrees, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt) in a medium bowl. Then, in a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the butter and shortening on high until smooth and well combined. Add the sugar, and completely combine. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

 Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and thoroughly combine on low speed. Set aside 1 1/4 cups of the dough for the topping.

Press the remaining dough into the bottom of the pan (use an ungreased 9 X 13-inch baking dish). Bake for 12 minutes in the preheated oven. The edges will be lightly golden brown, and the middle will be underdone, but don’t worry, you’re going to bake them again!

Assemble and Bake

Gently spread the sweet apple pie filling over the entire bottom crust. Drop the remaining dough in mounds over the apple layer.

Bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Place the pan on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

Powdered Sugar Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the butter, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the milk and vanilla extract. If needed, add 1 teaspoon of milk until the glaze is of a consistency where it can be drizzled.

Using a spoon, evenly distribute the glaze over the top of the apples and topping. Allow the apple pie bars to cool completely before slicing. It’s better than a slice of apple pie!

Recipe Tips

The apple filling is made with apple slices, so I’ve found that the apples are better distributed when I cut the slices into bite-sized pieces. I think it will also be easier to cut the bars if you make the apples smaller as well.

If using a glass baking pan, you may need to increase the baking time by about 5-7 minutes.

The butter for the powdered sugar glaze should be softer than room temperature, as it will be easier to mix with the powdered sugar. It doesn’t need to be melted. 

FAQs

How do I store Apple Pie Bars?

Store them in the fridge, tightly covered with aluminum foil, or transfer to an airtight container for 3-5 days.

Can I freeze these apple bars?

Yes, you can freeze them. Once they cool completely, cover the pan with a layer of plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze them for 1-2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I use apple pie spice instead of the listed spices?

You can, but the flavor will be slightly different as it typically has ginger and allspice, neither of which is in this recipe. It will still taste great!

Can I omit the powdered sugar glaze?

Of course! If you still want a sweet topping, try my Stabilized Whipped Cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side!

All the Apple Desserts!

I love baking with apples, and my dessert section shows it! Try one of these delicious apple recipes next time:

This easy Apple Crisp with oatmeal topping is a real game-changer. With a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and some simple ingredients, you’ll have this ready in no time!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are like two desserts in one! A creamy cheesecake layer is topped with cinnamon apples and a streusel topping. Finished with a caramel drizzle, they’re a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table and are loved throughout the year as well!

This Apple Crumble Danish recipe will convince everyone you’ve spent hours in the kitchen when really it’s hardly any work at all! Made with flaky puff pastry, a spiced apple filling, and a delightful crumb topping, these danishes are the perfect sweet breakfast or dessert you can enjoy anytime!

Apple Cider Donuts are fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of crunch on the outside. These baked donuts are full of apple cider flavor and rolled in cinnamon and sugar, making them the perfect fall treats!

It’s fall season, and this easy Apple Crumb Cake makes the perfect breakfast, dessert, or afternoon snack. This buttery, moist cake is loaded with apple chunks and cinnamon, and baked with a crunchy streusel topping! It’s an easy recipe that family and friends will keep coming back for.

Pin or print this recipe for Apple Pie Bars for your next baking session!

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