Apple Pie Bars

These Apple Pie Bars are a tasty fall dessert that the whole family will love. The layers are easy to make, and they add great flavor and texture to each slice.

Prep Time20

Cook Time1

Cooling Time30

Total Time1 50

Servings:

Calories: 351kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

Cinnamon Shortbread Crust

½ cup melted butter
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour

Apple Filling

3 cups apples thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Streusel Topping

½ cup whole rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cold butter cut into very small pieces

Glaze

½ cup confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 300°F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour until combined. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from oven.
Make the filling: In a large bowl, toss apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated. Layer evenly over the baked shortbread crust and press down lightly.
Make the streusel: In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over apples.
Increase oven temperature to 350°F. Bake bars for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan.
Make the glaze: Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bars before slicing and serving.

Notes

The best apple pie bars are made with fresh apples, but you can take a shortcut and give it a shot with apple pie filling. Just expect a thinner consistency with the filling!
Use cold butter when making the crumble topping, or it will not bake properly.
If you notice that the streusel is browning too quickly, tent the apple bars with aluminum foil to prevent further browning.

Nutrition