Apple Pie Bars with Buttery Crust and Golden Streusel Topping

by

Apple Pie Bars with Buttery Crust and Golden Streusel Topping

These Apple Pie Bars deliver all the cozy, nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie but in a much easier bar form. Built on a tender, buttery shortbread-style crust, layered with warm spiced apples, and finished with a crisp oat streusel, this dessert is a perfect make-ahead treat for gatherings, holidays, or everyday baking. Once chilled, the bars slice beautifully into neat squares with visible apple layers and a crumbly golden topping. Enjoy them warm with vanilla ice cream or serve chilled with a drizzle of salted caramel for an elegant touch.

Why You Will Love These Apple Pie Bars

These bars combine everything people love about apple pie but with a more convenient, more reliable preparation method.

Easier Than Traditional Pie

Instead of preparing and rolling out pie dough, the crust comes together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Press it into the pan, bake briefly, and you’re ready for the filling.

A Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert

The bars need time to chill for the cleanest slices, making them an ideal dessert to prepare a day in advance. They store and freeze exceptionally well.

A Balanced and Adaptable Filling

Using fresh apples gives the bars a more natural, layered texture. You can choose tart or sweet varieties based on your preference or mix several types for depth of flavor.

A Crisp, Buttery Streusel

The oat streusel adds texture and a beautiful rustic finish, creating contrast with the soft apples and tender crust.

Best Apples for Apple Pie Bars

Choose apples that hold their shape during baking. Tart Granny Smith apples give a bright, balanced flavor, while Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious provide more natural sweetness. Mixing two varieties adds depth and complexity to the filling.

How to Serve Apple Pie Bars

These bars can be enjoyed in several ways depending on the occasion:

  • Slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • Chilled with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce
  • At room temperature with a dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar
  • With whipped cream for a lighter finish

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Serving Tip: Add caramel sauce just before serving to prevent moisture from softening the topping.

Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Yield: 9 large bars or 12 smaller bars

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 cup salted butter, softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

For the Apple Filling

  • 4 to 5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to extend over the sides for easy removal.

2. Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter. Mix until a soft dough forms. The mixture should easily hold together when pressed.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure it reaches every corner. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, add the sliced apples to a large bowl. Sprinkle in the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated and the spices are distributed.

4. Assemble the Bars

When the crust is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Spread the apple filling evenly over the warm crust, pressing gently to create an even layer.

5. Make the Streusel

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. The mixture should form small, even clumps.

Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.

6. Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and crisp and the apples are tender.

7. Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the cleanest slices.

8. Serve

Lift the chilled bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Cut into squares and serve with salted caramel sauce or toppings of your choice.

Notes

  • These bars are best enjoyed within 5 days when stored properly.
  • Heat a slice for a few seconds to recreate the fresh-baked warmth.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut clean edges when serving chilled.

Leave a Comment