Apple Pie Bars
These Apple Pie Bars take everything you love about classic apple pie and make it simple, shareable, and fuss-free. With a spiced, buttery crust that doubles as the topping and a juicy apple filling, they’re the perfect treat for fall gatherings, bake sales, or an easy weeknight dessert. Serve them warm with ice cream or cooled for neat, hand-held bars.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 4–5 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith), peeled and diced (about 4 cups)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp apple pie spice
- Pinch of kosher salt
Crust & Topping
- 3/4 cup (1 ½ sticks) butter, melted (but not hot)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cane sugar or brown sugar
- 2 tsp apple pie spice
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides for easy lifting.Prepare filling first: In a medium bowl, toss peeled and diced apples with lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, vanilla, apple pie spice, and salt. Let sit while you prepare the crust so the apples can soak up the flavors.Make the crust/topping: In a separate bowl, stir together flour, sugar, apple pie spice, salt, and baking soda. Add melted (but not hot) butter and mix until crumbly.Assemble: Press about 2/3 of the crust mixture into the bottom of the pan. Spread apple filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly on top.Bake 40–50 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.Cool: Place the pan on a wire rack and let bars cool completely (at least 1–2 hours). Lift out by the parchment and cut into squares.
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