Name: Apple Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed); 1 large egg; 4 cups apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for apple filling); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apple filling)

Golden, cinnamon-sugar apple bars with a tender, buttery crust and soft spiced filling? Yes, please. These Apple Bars are everything you love about a cozy slice of pie—only easier, hand-held, and ready to win over every autumn dessert table. Packed with juicy apple layers and topped with a crumbly sugar-cinnamon topping, they are impossible to resist.

Perfect for bake sales, weekend treats, or a nostalgic dessert after dinner, this recipe bridges the gap between classic comfort and grab-and-go convenience. Whether you’re sipping hot cider or sneaking a bite from the fridge, these bars bring the essence of fall right into your kitchen.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use for Apple Bars?

Choose a firm and slightly tart apple for this recipe. Granny Smith is a classic go-to for its bright acidity, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn are excellent if you prefer a touch more sweetness. The key is to avoid overly soft apples that might break down too much during baking.

Ingredients for the Apple Bars Recipe

Apples – The hero of this recipe. Their texture and tart-sweet balance create that iconic fall filling.
All-purpose flour – Essential for both the crust and topping, giving structure and softness.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the crust and enhances the apple’s natural sugars.
Brown sugar – Adds a rich, molasses depth to the topping.
Ground cinnamon – For warmth and that classic apple pie flavor.
Butter – Lots of it! It makes the crust buttery and the topping golden and crisp.
Salt – Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
Baking powder – Helps the crust rise slightly for a more tender bite.
Egg – Adds structure and helps bind the crust mixture.

How To Make the Apple Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Toss them in a bowl with cinnamon and a bit of sugar until evenly coated. Set aside to allow the apples to release some juices.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the beaten egg until the dough just comes together.

Step 3: Layer the Dough and Apples

Press two-thirds of the dough mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, creating an even base layer. Spoon the spiced apple mixture over the crust and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping

Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the apples. Then mix brown sugar with a bit of cinnamon and sprinkle it generously over the top.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.

How to Serve and Store Apple Bars

Apple Bars are best served at room temperature, either plain or slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make a delightful brunch treat with coffee or tea.

To store, cover the bars tightly and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave to revive that fresh-baked feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal. For thicker bars, you could use a smaller pan but extend the baking time.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

How do I keep the bars from getting soggy?

Be sure to let the bars cool completely before covering. If your apples are extra juicy, consider sprinkling a tablespoon of flour over them before layering.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled into the crumb topping add crunch and nutty flavor.

What’s the best way to slice clean bars?

Cool them completely, then use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts. Chilling briefly can also help with cleaner slices.

Can I use pre-made pie filling?

Technically yes, but fresh apples offer the best texture and flavor for this recipe. Pie filling may be too sweet and soft.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If apple bars are your jam, you’re going to love these other irresistible dessert bars from Life with Jam:

Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruity, creamy twist.
Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight if you like balancing sweet and savory.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for a silky classic bite.
Amish Applesauce Cake to stay in the cozy apple mood.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how your batch turned out. Did you go full cinnamon or sneak in some nutmeg? Maybe added pecans on top?

I love hearing all the delicious variations you come up with. Got a question? Drop it below and let’s swap tips!

Apple Bars Recipe

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 18 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These buttery apple bars are layered with spiced cinnamon apples and a crumbly topping that tastes just like your favorite fall pie—only easier to make and serve! With a tender crust and sweet-tart apple filling, they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or an after-dinner treat.