From the Cook

1/2

Apple Pie Bars

OnlineCook Verified

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Apple Pie Bars

½ cup unsalted butter(softened, for crust)

¼ cup light brown sugar(packed, for crust)

½ tsp vanilla extract(for crust)

¼ tsp salt(for crust)

1 cup all purpose flour(for crust)

½ tsp ground cinnamon(for crust)

½ cup all-purpose flour(for streusel)

⅓ cup quick cooking oats

⅓ cup light brown sugar(packed, for streusel)

1 tbsp granulated sugar(for streusel)

½ tsp ground cinnamon(for streusel)

1 pinch ground nutmeg(for streusel)

1 pinch allspice

1 pinch ground cloves(for streusel)

¼ tsp salt(for streusel)

¼ cup unsalted butter(melted, for streusel)

3 Granny Smith apples

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

½ tsp vanilla extract(for filling)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour(for filling)

2 tablespoons granulated sugar(for filling)

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon(for filling)

¼ tsp ground nutmeg(for filling)

¼ tsp ground cloves(for filling)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

To make the crust, place the softened butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl and use a fork to combine. Add the flour and cinnamon, and continue mixing until a soft dough forms. Transfer the dough to the baking pan.

Using a tamper, clean hands, or the bottom of a heavy glass, press the dough into an even layer.

Bake the crust on the middle rack of oven until slightly golden at the edges, 15-18 minutes. While the crust bakes, prepare the streusel.

Place the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, spices, and salt in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir with a fork until large crumbs form. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator to chill while making the filling.

Peel and core the apples. Cut the apples into 1/8-inch thick slices, and cut the slices in thirds crosswise.

Place the apples in a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice and vanilla and stir to combine. Sprinkle the flour, sugar, and spices over the apples, and toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Carefully remove the baking pan from the oven. Spoon the apples on top of the crust and arrange them into an even layer, gently pressing down. Sprinkle the apple layer evenly with the chilled streusel.

Return pan to oven and continue baking until streusel is golden brown and the apple juices bubble slightly at the edges of the pan, 30-35 minutes.

Check to see that bars are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Allow the bars to cool for 20 minutes at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Lift the bars from the pan by pulling up on the edges of the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve.

Video Tutorial Bite Tutorial

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Chill Your Butter for Maximum Texture 🧈
Use cold, cubed unsalted butter and keep it chilled until just before mixing to create a flaky shortbread crust with distinct pockets of butter that won't turn greasy.
Toss Apples with Lemon Juice First 🍋
Coat your sliced Granny Smith apples with fresh lemon juice 15 minutes before layering to prevent oxidation, enhance tartness, and allow the acid to slightly soften the apples for better moisture distribution.
Bloom Your Spices in Melted Butter 🌟
Toast the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice in a small amount of melted butter before mixing with the apples to intensify their warm flavors and create a more cohesive spice profile.
Don't Skip the Crust Pre-Bake 🥧
Partially bake the shortbread crust for 10-12 minutes at 350°F before adding the apple filling to ensure a crispy, non-soggy base that stays structurally sound throughout baking.
Toast Oats for Streusel Crunch 🥣
Lightly toast your quick-cooking oats in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before mixing into the brown sugar streusel topping to deepen their flavor and create an irresistibly crunchy texture.