Apple Pie Bars Recipe

5 from 1 vote

These Dutch Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, and a golden crumb topping for the ultimate fall dessert. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this recipe captures all the flavors of a classic apple pie in a simple, handheld treat. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family nights!

Prep Time20

Cook Time37

Total Time57

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: sweetlysplendid.com

Ingredients

3 large granny smith apples peeled and sliced (thin)
3/4 cup unsalted butter room temp
1/4 + 2 tbsp sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
Cream together 1/2 cup room temperature butter with 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla, and salt for about 3 minutes, until fully combined and fluffy.
Slowly add in 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup at a time until mixed well and fully combined.
Place the mixture into a parchment lined 9x9 or 8x8 glass dish.
Bake for 12 minutes.
While your crust is baking, combine apples, 2 tbsp flour, 2 tbsp sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
Mix until apples are fully coated in the mixture, set aside.
Mix 1/2 cup flour and brown sugar in a bowl.
Add in remaining 1/4 cup of butter.
With a whisk (that's what I use), cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles chunky sand, set aside.
Take the apples and layer them in 5 even layers over the crust.
Once you layered all of the apples, cover the apples with the chunky sand like topping.
Increase your oven temp to 350 and bake for 25 minutes.
Allow it to completely cool before removing and cutting. Mine was ready to cut in about 30-45 minutes. Enjoy!

Notes

Apple Variety: For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This adds depth and balance to the filling.
Cutting the Butter: If your butter is too soft for the crumb topping, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before cutting it into the flour mixture.
Layering the Apples: Aim for five even layers of apples to get that “loaded” texture and flavor in every bite.
Make-Ahead Tip: These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. They’re perfect for prepping ahead for a gathering or holiday!
Serving Suggestion: Serve warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce makes them extra special.
Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition