There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting taste of apple pie – but sometimes, you want all that goodness in an easy-to-make, handheld form. Enter Flaky Apple Pie Bars, the perfect dessert that delivers everything you love about classic apple pie with a buttery, crisp crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling.

I first made these bars for a fall gathering, and they were an instant hit. The flaky pastry paired with the soft, caramelized apples makes them absolutely irresistible. Best of all, they're simpler to prepare than a full pie, making them an excellent choice for any occasion.
Why You'll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars
These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. Here’s why:
First, they’re super easy to make. No need to fuss over rolling out a perfect pie crust – a simple dough press-in method makes assembly a breeze.
They’re also perfect for serving a crowd. Whether you're making them for a family get-together or a holiday spread, these bars are easy to slice and serve – no plates required!
Plus, they offer the perfect balance of textures. The flaky, buttery crust contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced apple filling, and the crumbly streusel topping adds just the right amount of crunch.
Finally, these bars are great for make-ahead baking. They store beautifully in the fridge and can even be frozen for later. So you can enjoy fresh apple pie flavor whenever you want!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Flaky Apple Pie Bars lies in their simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The crust and topping are made from a buttery, flaky pastry. A mix of all-purpose flour, cold butter, and a bit of sugar creates a dough that bakes up light and crisp. Chilling the dough before baking ensures the perfect texture.
For the filling, you’ll need fresh apples. I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples – the tartness of Granny Smith balances the natural sweetness of Honeycrisp, creating a well-rounded flavor.
The apple mixture is sweetened with brown sugar and granulated sugar, which help caramelize the apples as they bake. A touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract enhances the cozy, warm flavors.
Finally, a streusel topping made with butter, flour, sugar, and oats adds a delightful crunch to each bite. If you prefer a nutty variation, adding chopped pecans or walnuts is a delicious option!
How To Make Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Making these bars is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by preparing the pastry crust. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter, cutting the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into a parchment-lined baking pan and bake until lightly golden.
While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly, then toss them with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Let them sit for a few minutes to release their natural juices and absorb the flavors.
Once the crust is ready, spread the apple filling evenly over the warm crust. This helps the apples meld into the crust as they bake, making each bite extra delicious.
For the streusel topping, mix together flour, sugar, oats, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this generously over the apple filling to create a crisp, golden topping.
Bake the assembled bars in a preheated oven until the apples are tender and bubbling, and the streusel topping is golden brown. Let them cool before slicing – this helps them hold their shape and makes serving much easier.
Storage Options
These Flaky Apple Pie Bars store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prepping or enjoying over a few days.
To store at room temperature, keep the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Reheating is easy – just pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture. You can also microwave them for a quick warm-up, but the crust won’t be as crisp.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about these bars is how versatile they are. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
If you love a nutty crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra texture and flavor.
Want to make them gluten-free? Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the crust and streusel topping. Just ensure it's a 1:1 replacement for the best results.
For a sweeter twist, drizzle the bars with caramel sauce before serving. It adds a rich, decadent touch that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples.
If you're a fan of warm spices, experiment with cardamom or allspice in place of nutmeg for a slightly different depth of flavor.
And for a healthier version, swap some of the butter in the crust for Greek yogurt or applesauce. This reduces the fat content while still keeping them deliciously moist.
No matter how you make them, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, get baking, and enjoy a slice of cozy apple pie bliss – no fork required!
PrintFlaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe
These flaky apple pie bars feature a buttery, crisp crust with a sweet and spiced apple filling. Perfect for a quick dessert or holiday treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup ice water
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Gradually add ice water until dough forms. Divide into two portions and chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out one portion and press into the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla.
- Spread apple mixture over the crust.
- Roll out the second dough portion and place over the apples.
- Brush with egg wash and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
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