Flaky Apple Pie Bars

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Flaky Apple Pie Bars bring all the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie into a simple, easy-to-serve bar form. With a buttery, tender crust, warmly spiced apple filling, and a sweet oat crumble topping, these bars are a perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy family treat. Every bite is layered with crisp pastry, juicy apples, and a golden finish that tastes like autumn comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor of apple pie, with none of the hassle of slicing and serving.

• Perfect for parties — easy to transport and serve in bar form.

• Double crust and oat topping — flaky, crispy, and buttery in every bite.

• Sweet, tart apples laced with cinnamon and nutmeg for rich fall flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base and top crust with a tender, flaky texture.

• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed – Creates a rich, flaky crust when cut into the flour.

• ¼ cup ice water – Helps bind the dough without overworking it, keeping it tender.

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced – Use tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.

• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling and draws out the apples’ juices.

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon & ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Classic warm spices that highlight the apple flavor.

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the filling as it bakes to prevent sogginess.

For the Oat Topping:

• ½ cup old-fashioned oats – Adds texture and rustic charm to the top crust.

• ½ cup brown sugar – Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness.

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the oat topping and helps it crisp up during baking.

Tips and Tricks

• Keep your butter cold – This ensures a flaky crust every time.

• Use a mix of apples – Combine tart and sweet varieties for more flavor depth.

• Let it cool completely – This helps the filling set, making slicing cleaner and easier.

• Line your pan – Use parchment for quick removal and no sticking.

Variations and Customizations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples for added crunch.

• Caramel twist: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

• Glaze it up: Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla for a sweet glaze.

• Go rustic: Skip the top crust and double the oat topping for a crisp-style bar.

Pairing Suggestions

• With coffee: A warm cup of cinnamon-spiced latte or cold brew complements perfectly.

• With ice cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean or caramel swirl ice cream.

• Holiday table: These bars are ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or fall potlucks.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days when chilled.

• Freezer-Friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

Popular Questions

Q: What are the best apples for these bars?
A: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both offer the best balance of sweetness and tartness.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. They hold up well overnight and taste even better the next day.

Q: Can I use store-bought crust?
A: Yes, but homemade crust offers superior flavor and texture. It’s worth the effort!

Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
A: Preheat your oven fully and use cornstarch in the filling to absorb excess moisture.

Flaky Apple Pie Bars

---

• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 bars

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Flaky Apple Pie Bars – All the nostalgic warmth of apple pie, but in easy, handheld form! A buttery crust cradles a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, topped with a golden oat crumble for the perfect sweet-crisp finish. Bake, slice, and savor—autumn comfort in every bite

---

Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• ¼ cup ice water

• 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

---

Instructions

Make the Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

2. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Gradually stir in ice water just until the dough holds together.

4. Divide dough in half, flatten into disks, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

 Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch.

2. Toss to coat evenly and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

 Assemble the Bars

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.

2. Roll out one dough disk on a floured surface to fit the bottom of the pan. Press into the prepared dish.

3. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.

 Add the Oat Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.

2. Sprinkle evenly over the apple filling for a sweet and crunchy contrast.

 Add the Top Crust

1. Roll out the second dough disk and place it over the oat-topped apples.

2. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

3. Optionally, brush with a little milk or egg wash for extra shine.

 Bake and Cool

1. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the apples are soft.

2. Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars.

Notes

• To save time, the dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.

• For easy clean-up, line the baking dish with parchment paper and leave an overhang to lift out the bars.

• These bars are a hit for brunches, bake sales, or cozy family desserts — simple to serve, yet deeply satisfying.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?