apple pie bars recipe
The Best apple pie bars recipe
The best part? They’re surprisingly good for you compared to other desserts. The crust is made with whole wheat flour, so it’s got fiber and a little extra protein to keep you full longer. And the apples are packed with natural sweetness and vitamins, so you’re getting a little bit of nutrition with every bite. Plus, they’re foolproof—no one gets stuck with a pie crust that’s too hard or too soft, and they reheat beautifully if you’re making a big batch to share. It’s a recipe that’s always a hit, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself.
Easy Apple Pie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
A lighter twist on classic apple pie, these bars use a buttery shortbread crust and a spiced apple filling. Perfect for a quick dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 cups sliced apples (about 4 medium)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a medium bowl, cut cold butter into flour, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. -
2
Press the dough evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, pressing firmly to form a crust. Use a fork to lightly crimp the edges. Chill the crust for 15 minutes. -
3
In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly coated. -
4
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden. -
5
Allow the bars to cool completely before making the frosting. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy. -
6
Spread the frosting over the cooled apple bars and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Knife
- Cutting board
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Apple Pie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
How do I adjust the pie crust for gluten-free or nut-free diets?
Use a store-bought gluten-free pie crust or a homemade version made with almond flour and a binder like flaxseed meal. For nut-free, ensure your almond flour is certified nut-free and omit any chopped nuts from the filling. You may also need to reduce the liquid slightly to compensate for the different texture.
Can I substitute fresh apples for the canned variety used in the filling?
Yes, you can! Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Peel, core, and slice them thinly. For best results, cook them in the pie filling before assembling to soften and blend flavors.
What if I don’t have a 9-inch pie dish for the bars?
Skip the pie dish entirely. Press the pie crust into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or a sheet pan lined with parchment paper instead. The bars will still turn out delicious, though they’ll be slightly smaller.
How can I make the filling extra tender without overcooking?
To keep the filling soft, reduce the baking time slightly—about 5 minutes less than the recipe suggests. Stir once halfway through baking to ensure even browning. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil.
