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Apple Pie Bars Recipe: Easy Homemade Dessert with Buttery Crumb Top

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These cozy apple pie bars feature a tender base, juicy spiced apple filling, and a buttery crumb topping. They deliver all the comfort of classic apple pie with half the effort—perfect for potlucks, snacks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 3 medium apples)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Peel and dice 3 medium apples (about 3 cups). In another bowl, toss apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Stir until apples are coated and juicy.
  4. Spread apple mixture evenly over the base.
  5. In a small bowl, mix 3/4 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt, and 1/3 cup melted butter. Stir until crumbly and moist. Sprinkle evenly over the apples, breaking up any large clumps.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, until topping is golden and apples are bubbling at the edges.
  7. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. For cleaner slices, chill in the fridge for an hour.
  8. Lift bars out using parchment overhang, then cut into 9–12 squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For gluten-free bars, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute coconut oil or vegan butter. Add nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture. Bars slice best when cooled completely. Double the crumb topping for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie bars, easy dessert, crumb topping, fall baking, apple recipes, homemade bars, potluck dessert, cinnamon apple bars

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