Apple pie bars are a cozy, sliceable twist on classic apple pie. This easy apple dessert fits perfectly into fall baking, lunchbox treats, or make-ahead meal prep. With simple ingredients and countless variations like gluten free, dairy free, or low sugar, these bars can suit any preference.
Made with spiced apples, a crumbly crust, and sometimes a streusel topping, these bars offer that homemade pie flavor in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re planning a gathering or need a small batch recipe, this is a go-to option.
If you enjoy comforting, healthy treats, try our Healthy Edible Cookie Dough Recipe as another delicious option.
In This Recipe
In This Recipe
Why Apple Pie Bars Are a Fall Favorite
When autumn rolls in and crisp apples are in abundance, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of apple pie bars. These portable, shareable treats bring the familiar flavors of apple pie into a simpler, more approachable format perfect for busy bakers or anyone craving a quick fall dessert fix.
The charm of the apple orchard in every bite
From the first bite, you get that nostalgic combination of tender spiced apples, golden crust, and crumbly topping. It’s like a bite of orchard-fresh comfort. Whether you pick your own or grab a bag at the market, fresh apples shine in this recipe.
From classic pie to bar-form: what changes
Unlike traditional pies, apple pie bars don’t require rolling out dough or fussing with lattices. You press the crust into a pan, layer in the filling, and finish with a crumble or streusel. It’s straightforward and forgiving great for beginner bakers.
How these bars meet the demand for easy desserts
As fall gets busy with school lunches, gatherings, and weeknight meals, having a batch of make-ahead, lunchbox-ready bars is a lifesaver. Apple pie bars offer all the flavor of pie with less work and more flexibility.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars
The secret to irresistibly good apple pie bars starts with quality ingredients. Whether you’re aiming for healthy apple pie bars or a classic buttery version, the right choices in apples, crusts, and spices make all the difference. If you enjoy gluten free adaptations, you’ll also love our Paleo Vanilla Cake Gluten Free Healthy Recipe.
Best apples for apple bars
For the filling, you’ll want apples that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweet and tart. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady are excellent choices. They bake beautifully without turning mushy and give the bars that signature apple-forward flavor.
Crust or base: oats, almond flour, or classic flour
Crusts can be tailored to your taste or dietary needs. Oatmeal apple bars offer a chewy, rustic feel, while almond flour apple bars bring a delicate nuttiness and gluten-free twist. For a more traditional touch, a buttery flour-based crust creates that familiar pie texture.
Filling and flavor: cinnamon, caramel, and crumble
To build flavor, use ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and optionally drizzle with date syrup or a touch of dairy-free caramel for caramel apple pie bars. Add a crumb or streusel topping for texture contrast, this step transforms them into crumble apple bars with cozy, golden crunch.
With the right ingredients, your apple pie bars will be a fall favorite from the first bite.
PrintApple Pie Bars: Easy, Delicious, And Perfect For Fall Baking
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American (Southern-Inspired)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (melted)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
For the crumble topping:
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, mix oats, almond flour, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil. Press evenly into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, toss diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and maple syrup. Set aside.
- Make the crumble: In a separate bowl, combine oats, almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, and nuts (if using). Mix until crumbly.
- Assemble: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Top with crumble.
- Bake: Return to oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
- Cool & Slice: Let bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Lift out using parchment, slice into 9 squares.
Notes
Storage & Freezing
- Store in the fridge up to 5 days
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 3 months
- Thaw at room temp or warm in oven before serving
Variations
- For gluten free: Use certified GF oats
- For dairy free: Stick with coconut oil or plant-based butter
- For low sugar: Omit maple syrup in crumble and add 1 mashed banana for moisture
- For sheet pan: Double the recipe and use a rimmed baking sheet
Making Healthy, Low-Sugar & Dietary-Friendly Apple Pie Bars
If you’re trying to lighten up your desserts or follow specific dietary needs, you can still enjoy delicious apple pie bars. With the right swaps, they can be wholesome without sacrificing flavor.
How to make them healthy or lower sugar
To create healthy apple pie bars, reduce refined sugar by using applesauce, maple syrup, or date paste as natural sweeteners. These alternatives not only cut sugar but add moisture and subtle richness. Boost the fiber with whole oats or almond flour, and skip heavy crusts for lighter versions.
Gluten free and dairy free options
Making gluten free apple bars is simple. Swap traditional flour with almond flour, oat flour, or a certified gluten-free blend. To go dairy free, use coconut oil or plant-based butter in both the crust and topping. These changes keep the texture buttery and soft without using dairy.
Using almond flour, oats, and natural sweeteners
Almond flour apple bars offer a delicate, nutty base that pairs perfectly with cinnamon-spiced apples. Oatmeal apple bars add a chewy bite and hold up well in lunchboxes. Together, they create a texture-rich treat. Finish with a light crumble sweetened naturally for low sugar apple pie bars that taste indulgent but feel nourishing.
By choosing better-for-you ingredients, your apple pie bars become a treat you can enjoy more often.
These changes keep the texture buttery and soft without using dairy. For more dairy-free snack options, try our Frozen Yogurt Bark Recipe Healthy Snack Dessert.
The Step-by-Step Recipe for Apple Pie Bars
Now that you’ve picked the perfect apples and prepped your healthy swaps, it’s time to bring your apple pie bars to life. This method makes a batch that serves 4 to 6 people ideal for a week of lunches or a cozy weekend dessert.
Equipment and yields (4–6 servings)
You’ll need a mixing bowl, spatula, 8×8-inch pan or quarter sheet pan, and parchment paper. This recipe yields 9 moderate-sized bars.
Sheet pan vs. small batch apple bars
To make sheet pan apple pie bars for a crowd, double the recipe and use a rimmed baking sheet. For small batch apple bars, stick to an 8×8 dish. Both options bake evenly and slice cleanly once cooled.
Baking, cooling, and avoiding a soggy crust
To prevent soggy crusts, pre-bake the base for 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. Let your filling cool slightly before layering it in. Top with your favorite streusel or crumble and bake until golden. Cool completely before slicing for the cleanest bars.
Mastering this base method means you can customize with ease from cinnamon-spiced to caramel-drizzled versions. No matter your spin, these apple pie bars are simple to make and satisfying to share.
Variations & Meal-Prep Friendly Options
One of the best things about apple pie bars is how easily they adapt to your taste, dietary needs, or schedule. Whether you’re baking ahead for the week or switching up toppings, there’s a version that fits your kitchen rhythm.
Streusel, crumble, or classic topping
If you like texture, try streusel apple bars with a buttery oat topping or go for crumble apple bars using chopped nuts, oats, and a dash of cinnamon. These toppings crisp up beautifully and add extra fall flavor to every bite.
Lunchbox bars, bar cookies, and simple swaps
For easy packing, cut cooled bars into compact squares. These lunchbox apple bars are soft, kid-friendly, and travel well. You can also think of them as bar cookies hand-held, no fork required, and just sweet enough. Easy apple pie bars made with minimal ingredients are perfect for quick cravings. Another fun meal-prep snack idea is our Cottage Cheese Banana Bread Recipe.
Perfect for fall dessert meal prep
Double a batch and freeze half to save time later. Sheet pan apple pie bars can be pre-sliced, wrapped, and stored, making them a go-to for busy weeks. Small batch versions work when you want something sweet but don’t need leftovers.
From gatherings to grab-and-go snacks, apple pie bars give you flexibility without fuss.
Storage, Freezing & Serving Ideas
Once your apple pie bars are baked and cooled, storing them properly ensures they stay fresh and delicious. Whether you’re planning to enjoy them now or later, they’re one of the most freezer-friendly fall desserts around. Another dessert perfect for batch prep is our Birthday Cake Protein Balls Recipe.
Do apple pie bars freeze well?
Yes apple pie bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars in parchment and store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven to restore their soft, crumbly texture.
Best way to store, cut, and pack
For short-term storage, keep bars in the fridge for up to five days. Let them cool fully before cutting to avoid crumbling. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for perfect edges. For lunchboxes, wrap bars in wax paper or store in reusable containers to prevent squishing.
Serving suggestions for breakfast or dessert
Warm them slightly and top with dairy-free vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. Or enjoy a square with your morning coffee they’re wholesome enough to serve as a breakfast bar, especially the healthy or oatmeal versions.
No matter how you serve them, apple pie bars are a comforting way to savor fall flavors at any time of day.
Troubleshooting Apple Pie Bars
Even though apple pie bars are simple to make, a few common issues can pop up during baking. These tips will help you get that perfect texture and flavor every time.
Avoiding a soggy crust
A soggy base can ruin the whole experience. Always pre-bake your crust for at least 10 minutes before adding the apple filling. Also, be sure the filling has cooled slightly before layering it on.
Preventing runny or too-soft filling
Use apples that hold their shape and don’t release too much moisture. A spoonful of cornstarch or arrowroot powder in the filling helps keep things firm and sliceable. Let bars cool completely to set up before cutting.
Uneven baking or burnt edges
If your bars bake unevenly, rotate the pan halfway through. For dark pans, reduce the oven temperature slightly to avoid over-browning.
Scaling up or down successfully
Want to make more? Use a larger pan and watch bake times carefully. For small batch apple pie bars, cut everything in half and use a loaf pan or mini sheet.
With these troubleshooting tips, your apple pie bars will come out bakery-perfect, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Bars
These are some of the most common questions home bakers ask when making apple pie bars. Let’s clear them up so your baking experience is smooth from start to finish.
Can apple pie bars be made healthy or lower sugar?
Yes. Swap out refined sugar for natural options like maple syrup, applesauce, or date paste. Use oats or almond flour for a fiber-rich crust, and keep toppings light to reduce overall sugar content.
Do apple pie bars freeze well?
They do! Once cooled, slice and wrap individual bars in parchment. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
What are the best apples for apple bars?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady hold up well during baking and provide a balanced flavor.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust and cooling the filling before layering are key. Also, drain off excess liquid from your apple mix before assembling.
Are apple pie bars good for breakfast?
Absolutely. When made with oats, almond flour, or lower sugar options, they become a wholesome breakfast treat like an elevated granola bar with fall flavor.
Conclusion: A Slice of Simplicity, a Taste of Fall
Whether you’re craving a cozy fall treat, prepping snacks for the week, or looking for a healthier dessert, apple pie bars are a simple, satisfying choice. They bring together the best parts of a classic pie with less fuss and more flexibility.
From gluten free and dairy free versions to low sugar and oatmeal-based options, these bars can be customized to suit just about any need. They’re freezer-friendly, easy to share, and perfect for everything from school lunches to holiday dessert trays.
For a nourishing bite to start your day, our Easy Healthy Breakfast Bruschetta Recipe makes a great match.
If you’re always on the lookout for wholesome, seasonal treats, you’ll find more inspiration on Viva Lyze on Facebook, it’s full of healthy, feel-good recipes and everyday wellness tips. And if you’re a visual learner or love beautifully curated baking ideas, follow Viva Lyze on Pinterest for your next dessert obsession.
So the next time you’re staring at a basket of apples, skip the pie pan. Make apple pie bars instead and share the joy of homemade comfort, one square at a time.