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
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All the flavor of apple pie, with none of the hassle of slicing and serving.
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Perfect for parties — easy to transport and serve in bar form.
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Double crust and oat topping — flaky, crispy, and buttery in every bite.
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Sweet, tart apples laced with cinnamon and nutmeg for rich fall flavor.
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Crust:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base and top crust with a tender, flaky texture.
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½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
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1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed – Creates a rich, flaky crust when cut into the flour.
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¼ cup ice water – Helps bind the dough without overworking it, keeping it tender.
For the Apple Filling:
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6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced – Use tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
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1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling and draws out the apples’ juices.
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon & ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Classic warm spices that highlight the apple flavor.
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1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
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1 tablespoon cornstarch – Thickens the filling as it bakes to prevent sogginess.
For the Oat Topping:
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½ cup old-fashioned oats – Adds texture and rustic charm to the top crust.
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½ cup brown sugar – Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness.
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the oat topping and helps it crisp up during baking.
Tips and Tricks
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Keep your butter cold – This ensures a flaky crust every time.
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Use a mix of apples – Combine tart and sweet varieties for more flavor depth.
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Let it cool completely – This helps the filling set, making slicing cleaner and easier.
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Line your pan – Use parchment for quick removal and no sticking.
Variations and Customizations
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Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the apples for added crunch.
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Caramel twist: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
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Glaze it up: Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla for a sweet glaze.
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Go rustic: Skip the top crust and double the oat topping for a crisp-style bar.
Pairing Suggestions
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With coffee: A warm cup of cinnamon-spiced latte or cold brew complements perfectly.
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With ice cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean or caramel swirl ice cream.
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Holiday table: These bars are ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or fall potlucks.
Storage Instructions
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Lasts up to 5 days when chilled.
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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.
