Apple Pie Bars

Made with a shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and crumble topping, Apple Pie Bars have all the flavor of apple pie with much less work!

My husband LOVES apple pie, but it's just so much work and I often have a hard time getting the recipe right. These Apple Pie Bars, however, are an easy alternative to the classic dessert and tastes just as good, if not better! Made with a shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and crumble topping, these Apple Pie Bars are a family favorite and are a great dessert to share with a crowd.

Apple Pie Bars couldn't be easier to make, and taste just like apple pie. It's a great dessert that the family will love and is a a great recipe to make for a crowd. Here's what you'll need:

(Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are found below)

• apples: tart and sweet apples, like Pink Lady and Granny Smith, are best to use in this recipe.
• other tart apples: Braeburn, Blushing Golden, and Northern Spy
• other sweet apples: Gala, Jonagold, or Honeycrisp
• apple pie spice: this has all of the spices needed in one convenient container
• cinnamon
• salt
• butter: unsalted butter softened to room temperature
• granulated sugar and brown sugar: used for both the shortbread crust and crumble topping
• vanilla extract: pure vanilla extract adds the best vanilla flavoring
• all-purpose flour: I have not tested this recipe with other alternatives. However, Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-1 is a great option to make these gluten free.
• lemon juice: freshly squeezed is always a favorite, but bottled works just as well!

You will also need a hand/stand mixer, large mixing bowl, 8x8 baking dish, and parchment paper.

First, we're going to make the shortbread crust. Combine ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, using a fork or a pastry cutter until a crumbly texture has formed. Make sure that the butter is evenly distributed.

Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper so that the bars are easy to remove after baking. Press the shortbread dough into the bottom of the baking dish and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. Peel the apples and do your best to cut them into thin, even slices (about ¼ thick). If the apples are cut unevenly, some apples may be overcooked while others are undercooked.

Place the apples into a large mixing bowl. Add lemon juice, sugar, apple pie spice, and lastly, some flour to help thicken the filling.

*If you'd like, you can precook the apple filling! Cooking apple pie filling for 5-10 minutes before layering it on the shortbread crust is an added step, but it can help to have evenly cooked apples (not undercooked or crunchy) in the finished dessert and can help prevent a watery apple pie bar.

Spread the apple filling to form an even layer over the crust. Set aside while you make the crumble topping.

Combine the crumble ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or pastry cutter until a crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkle this mixture over top of the layer of apples.

Bake the apple pie bars for 30-35 minutes.

Allow the bars to cool and then chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. Cut Apple Pie Bars into 9 equal squares and serve with ice cream on the side - optional, but definitely recommended.

Apple Pie Bars

Servings: 9

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Bake Time: 30-35 minutes

Shortbread Crust Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Apple Filling Ingredients:

• 4-5 small to medium apples (Pink Lady or Granny Smith)
• 2 Tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoon apple pie spice

Crumble Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon dalt
• 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350º F.
2. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add unsalted butter, vanilla, salt, and flour. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients until a crumbly texture has formed and the butter is evenly distributed throughout.
4. Press the shortbread mixture into the bottom of the lined baking dish. 
5. Bake for 10 minutes, and allow the crust to cool completely.
6. Peel and cut the apples into thin, even slices.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and apple pie spice.
8. Pour the apple mixture over the crust, smoothing to form an even layer.
9. In a large mixing bowl, add sugar, brown sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to combine until it forms into a crumbly mixture.
10. Sprinkle mixture over the top of the apple mixture.
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until top crust is golden brown. Do not over-bake.
12. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely.
13. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours if you prefer cold apple pie bars.
14. Lift the apple pie bars out of the dish and cut into 9 equal pieces.

Tips: 

• Storage: Blondies can be stored in an airtight container for 4 days at room temperature, or up to 7 days in the fridge.
• Freeze cooled bars for up to 3 months in an airtight container or bag. I would recommend freezing the bars already cut into squares, separated by parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Double recipe: use a 9x13 baking dish instead of an 8x8 baking dish, and bake for about 40-45 minutes instead.

Apple Pie Bars are a fun and easy apple pie shortcut, and is a great treat to make for the family for dessert, or to share with a crowd. If you decide to give this recipe a try, I'd love to hear all about it! Please share your creations on Instagram, Facebook, or leave a comment/photo on the project pin on Pinterest!

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