Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe

There's something truly comforting about the warm aroma of baked apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen. These Flaky Apple Pie Bars take all the best parts of a classic apple pie and transform them into an easy-to-make, handheld treat with a buttery, flaky crust.

I started making these bars when I wanted a quicker alternative to traditional apple pie. They're perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just as a sweet snack with your afternoon coffee. With layers of tender spiced apples sandwiched between a crisp, golden crust, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You'll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Get ready to enjoy the ultimate fall dessert with these delightful bars! They offer the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness in every bite.

First, these bars are incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional apple pie, there's no need to fuss with rolling out a top and bottom crust separately. Everything comes together in one pan!

They're also perfectly portable. No need for forks or plates—just grab a bar and enjoy. This makes them ideal for bake sales, lunchboxes, and holiday dessert trays.

Not to mention, they're totally customizable. Whether you prefer tart Granny Smith apples or sweeter Honeycrisps, you can adjust the flavors to suit your taste.

Best of all, these bars store well. You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making them a convenient treat for busy schedules.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Flaky Apple Pie Bars lies in the combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, buttery, and perfectly spiced treat.

The apples are the star of the show. I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Peel and slice them thinly so they cook evenly and absorb the delicious spices.

For the crust and topping, you'll need all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. The butter is key here—it creates that irresistibly flaky texture. Be sure to use cold butter and work it into the flour mixture until you have a crumbly consistency.

A touch of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the apple filling. If you love a bit of extra spice, try adding a pinch of cloves or allspice.

You'll also need a little lemon juice to brighten up the filling and prevent the apples from browning. It enhances the natural flavors of the fruit and balances out the sweetness.

Finally, a light drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can take these bars to the next level. It's optional, but it adds an extra layer of sweetness and a bakery-style finish.

How To Make These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Making these bars is simple, and the results are absolutely delicious. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking dish with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the bars out for slicing later.

Next, prepare the crust and topping. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.

For the apple filling, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then, spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.

Take the remaining crumb mixture and sprinkle it over the apples, pressing it down gently. This will create a flaky, golden topping that bakes up beautifully.

Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.

Storage Options

These Flaky Apple Pie Bars store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.

If keeping at room temperature, store the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place.

For refrigeration, place the bars in a sealed container and store them for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven for a few minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these bars is how adaptable they are! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Love a crumbly topping? Add a handful of oats or chopped nuts to the topping mixture for extra texture and crunch.

If you're a caramel lover, try drizzling salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.

For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The results will still be deliciously flaky!

Prefer a different fruit? These bars work wonderfully with pears, peaches, or even mixed berries instead of apples.

Finally, for an extra indulgent treat, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

No matter how you customize them, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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