Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe

There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of homemade apple pie, but sometimes, you just don't have the time to make a full pie from scratch. These Flaky Apple Pie Bars capture all the flavors of a classic apple pie in an easy-to-make, hand-held treat. With a buttery, flaky crust and a cinnamon-spiced apple filling, these bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion.

this Recipe

I first made these bars when I was craving apple pie but didn’t want to deal with rolling out pie dough. They quickly became a family favorite, and now I make them every fall when apples are at their peak. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to slice, serve, and enjoy—no fork required!

Why You’ll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to apple dessert. These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying.

First, they’re way easier than making a traditional apple pie. No need to worry about blind-baking a crust or carefully crimping edges—just press the dough into the pan and bake.

They also have the perfect balance of textures. The crust is crisp and flaky, while the filling is soft, gooey, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apple goodness.

These bars are great for feeding a crowd. Unlike a pie, which requires slicing and serving with a plate and fork, these bars can be cut into squares and enjoyed straight from your hand.

Best of all, they’re easily customizable. You can switch up the apples, add nuts for crunch, or even drizzle caramel on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is its simple, wholesome ingredients. Every component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Butter – The key to a perfectly flaky crust is using cold, unsalted butter. This helps create those irresistible, delicate layers in the dough.

Flour – All-purpose flour forms the base of both the crust and the crumb topping. Be sure to measure correctly by spooning and leveling to avoid a dense crust.

Sugar – A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. The brown sugar also enhances the apple filling with a deep, caramel-like flavor.

Apples – The star of the show! I love using a mix of Granny Smith (for tartness) and Honeycrisp (for sweetness). Peel and slice them thinly so they cook evenly.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg – These warm spices elevate the apples, giving the bars that classic apple pie flavor.

Lemon Juice – Just a splash prevents the apples from turning brown and adds a touch of brightness to balance the sweetness.

How to Make These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Making these bars is much simpler than baking a whole pie, but they still deliver that same comforting flavor. Here’s how to do it:

Start by preparing the crust. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter (or your hands) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased baking dish to form the base.

Next, make the apple filling. Toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices. Then, spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.

Now, it's time for the topping. Mix the remaining crumb mixture with a bit more sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle it generously over the apples. This will create a beautifully crisp, golden topping.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Let the bars cool completely before slicing—they’ll hold together better this way.

Storage Options

These Flaky Apple Pie Bars store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The crust will stay crisp, and the filling will remain perfectly gooey.

For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to a week. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating to bring back their soft, buttery texture.

You can also freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them in the oven for a fresh-baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste.

Switch up the apples – Try using Fuji, Pink Lady, or even a mix of different apples for a unique flavor.

Add nuts for crunch – Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled into the topping add a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor.

Make them extra indulgent – Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars for an extra decadent treat.

Go gluten-free – Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats (if using) are certified gluten-free.

However you make them, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are bound to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or just a cozy night in, they’re everything you love about apple pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!

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