Easy Apple Pie Bars Recipe

I’ve got a sweet little secret for you that I just can’t keep to myself—this Easy Apple Pie Bars Recipe is everything you want from a cozy dessert but way simpler to make than a traditional pie. Perfectly spiced, wonderfully fruity, and topped with that amazing crumbly streusel, these bars are my go-to for when I want to impress without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why I make these over and over!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy Apple Pie Bars Recipe brings together classic apple pie flavors in a format that’s quick and forgiving. The apple filling cooks down to that juicy, spoonable consistency we all adore, while the oat streusel adds just the right crunch. Picking the best apples and quality crust will make your bars shine.

• Granny Smith apples: Their tartness and firm texture hold up beautifully when cooked, preventing that mushy pie filling you want to avoid.
• Brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel-like sweetness, better than plain white sugar for depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon: A classic warming spice that brings the apple filling to life.
• Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness and keeps the apples from browning while cooking.
• Cornstarch: The secret to thickening the filling so your bars slice cleanly without oozing all over.
• Vegan pie crusts: Store-bought or homemade—just make sure they’re thawed and ready to use; I’ve tried both and honestly, store-bought saves time without sacrificing taste.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Bring a hearty texture to the streusel topping that you’ll love to crunch into.
• All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the crumbly topping so it bakes golden and stays put.
• Vegan butter: I like how the chilled butter pieces melt into the topping, creating those perfect clusters.
• Neutral oil: Just enough to coat your baking dish so nothing sticks and your bars lift out easily.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Easy Apple Pie Bars Recipe is how easy it is to swap things up to suit your taste or whatever you have in your pantry. Whether you want to add nuts, try different spices, or make it gluten-free, these bars are so forgiving.

• Variation: I once tossed in chopped pecans into the streusel, and it added a lovely crunch that my family went nuts for.
• Spice it up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the filling for extra warmth especially on chilly days.
• Dairy-free twists: This recipe already uses vegan butter, making it perfect for dairy-free diets, but you could also swap the pie crust for a gluten-free version if needed.
• Adjust sweetness: Depending on your apple sweetness or preference, you might tweak the brown sugar amount—it’s all about making it just right for your palate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Apple Filling Gently

Start by adding your thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice into a large pot with a lid. Pour in ¼ cup of water and gently mix everything without smashing those beautiful apple slices—keeping them intact gives the filling nice texture later. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. I always keep an eye on it and stir occasionally from the bottom to avoid burning—this step is where the magic happens as the apples start to soften.

Step 2: Thicken the Filling as it Cooks

After 5 minutes, add the remaining ¼ cup water and the cornstarch. Stir well—this helps create that creamy, luscious filling that won’t be runny when you slice the bars. Reduce the heat to low, cover again, and let it cook for another 5 minutes or until it thickens. Don’t skip stirring occasionally; I learned the hard way that the cornstarch can stick and burn if left alone.

Step 3: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Crust

Lightly oil your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then gently press one pie dough into the dish. Trim the extra dough and set it aside for the topping later. This makes your base sturdy but tender—no soggy bottom here!

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

Next, mix the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and chilled vegan butter in a bowl using your fingers. I love this part because it feels a bit like a mini DIY spa—mixing cool butter into dry ingredients until the mix clumps together is super satisfying and results in that perfect crumble you crave.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Spread the apple filling evenly over the first crust. Place the second pie crust on top, trimming any excess again. Dice the leftover dough into small pieces and mix them into your oat streusel topping. Then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top crust, creating a gorgeous golden layer.

Step 6: Bake and Chill

Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and aromatic. This is when the kitchen smells like heaven in fall! Once out of the oven, I always let the bars cool completely on the counter, then pop them in the fridge for at least an hour—or even overnight if you can wait. This chilling step is key to firm up the filling so you get those neat bars when slicing.

How to Serve Easy Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

My absolute favorite way to serve these apple bars is with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on top—the cold, creamy ice cream melting slightly over the warm bar is just dreamy. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce also turns these from everyday tasty to party-worthy dessert in a snap.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee for a cozy vibe. If you’re serving a larger crowd, a simple green salad with tart vinaigrette is a nice fresh contrast to the sweet dessert, balancing the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I cut the bars into mini squares and serve them in cupcake liners on a pretty platter—so cute and easy to grab! Another fun idea I tried was topping bars individually with a little dollop of whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts for extra flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to 4 days, actually tasting better as the flavors meld. Just be sure to re-chill before slicing again to keep them neat.

Freezing

These apple pie bars freeze like a charm! I slice them first, then freeze individual bars in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen hard, I transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. When you want a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm in the oven.

Reheating

I reheat bars in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive that warm apple goodness and crunchy topping without making the crust soggy. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you lose some of the streusel’s delightful crispness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Pie Bars Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make whenever I want that nostalgic apple pie flavor without all the fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug, perfect to share with family and friends or to savor quietly with a cup of tea. I hope you give it a try soon—you deserve a dessert that tastes like love and feels easy at the same time!

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