Fall is the best season for so many reasons. As the weather finally begins to cool down and the trees begin to change colors, there’s just a sense of comfort in the air.
And of course you can’t forget all the delicious treats that fall brings with it- all things apple and pumpkin are everywhere this time of year. And what better way to celebrate this apple season than with a delightful recipe for Apple Pie Bars?

These Apple Pie Bars are a fun and party-ready twist on the classic apple pie. With a buttery crust, luscious apple pie filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, they include all the flavors we love about fall in a convenient, handheld form.
Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so you can enjoy the taste of homemade apple pie without the fuss. This easy recipe for homemade apple pie bars is sure to become a fall tradition in your home!

Can I use Homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned! Whether your grocery store is out of canned apple pie filling or you just want to use your favorite apples, you can definitely go the homemade route.
The best apples for this recipe are really whatever kind of apples you prefer, whether that’s Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp apples, golden delicious apples, or a combination.
To make homemade apple pie filling, you’ll need:
- 6 large apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 TBSP all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 TBSP lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
To make:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are well coated and the sugar and flour are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a large saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes {until the apples have softened slightly and the mixture has thickened}.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the apple filling cool completely. Once cooled, you can use the homemade apple pie filling immediately in the Apple Pie Bars recipe!
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Yes! Instead of apple filling, you can use any other pie filling like cherry, peach or blueberry. You can even try combining them!

Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
Yes! Nuts can add a great texture to streusel. Walnuts and pecans are great options that work really well in this recipe, but feel free to get creative with your favorite kind of nuts!
Can I add additional spices to the apple pie bars?
These are delicious as-is, but if you’re wanting to add extra spices for an extra taste of fall, you can add additional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a tiny pinch of cloves! Start with about 1/4 tsp of the spice{s} of your choice, and add up to another 1/4 tsp if you want more.

How can I make the apple pie bars recipe dairy free?
To make these bars dairy-free, the only ingredient you’ll really need to swap is the butter. You can get plant-based butter or margarine at any local grocery store! I recommend going with a stick version since you’ll need cubed “butter” for the topping, but I’m always in support of using what you have so a tub will work in a pinch.
Can I add a glaze or icing on top of the apple pie bars?
Yes! You can either add a store-bought glaze or icing like Salted Caramel Sauce over the cinnamon streusel or you can make your own! Here’s an easy recipe for a simple glaze:
You will need:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 TBSP milk {or plant-based milk}
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients until you get a smooth, pourable consistency. Start with just 1 TBSP of milk and add a little bit more at a time until it’s the consistency you like.
- Add the glaze over the bars once they have cooled completely so the glaze doesn’t just soak in and disappear! You can either just use a spoon to freehand it or a piping bag for a more precise pattern. Make sure to let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving!
How should I serve apple pie bars?
These bars are delicious served as-is, but they’re even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Can I make apple pie bars ahead of time?
Yes! To prepare these ahead of time, just follow the recipe as directed but hold off on cutting them into squares. Cool the bars completely to room temperature, then cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to two days.
If you need your baking pan it’s okay to cut them into bars and store them in an airtight container in the fridge, but they’re definitely at greater risk of drying out this way so it’s not my first choice method!
Can I freeze apple pie bars?
Yes! After the bars have completely cooled, cut them into bars and place them into an airtight container or freezer-safe food storage bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months, and when you’re ready to eat them just thaw them in the fridge overnight!

What Supplies Do You Need to Make These Apple Pie Bars?
To make these Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need:
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- 9×9 Baking Dish
- Parchment Paper
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Hand mixer or Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- Whisk
- Pastry Blender {optional but recommended}
Step by Step Guide
Ready to bake? Grab the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and come back here to get started!
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper- making sure the edges of the paper hang over the edges of the pan

Beat together the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well combined


Add the dry ingredients- the all purpose flour and salt- and mix until well combined. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.

Spread the pie filling over the top of the crust.

Make the streusel crumb topping by whisking together the brown sugar and flour.

Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture makes coarse crumbs and resembles coarse sand.

Sprinkle the topping over the pie filling.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. The pie bars are finished baking when the filling is bubbling and the streusel topping is golden brown.
Allow the bars to cool completely, then remove them from the pan by pulling the edges of the parchment paper up. Cut into bars before serving. Enjoy!
Hungry for More?
Want more delicious recipes using apples? Try these apple desserts:
- Mini Apple Pies
- Easy Caramel Apple Turnovers
- Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
- Slow Cooker Pumpkin Apple Cider
- Apple Cider Donuts
- Fresh Apple Fritters
- Brown Sugar Cinnamon Apple Crescent Rolls


Apple Pie Bars
Indulge in the flavors of fall with these delectable Apple Pie Bars. With a buttery crust, luscious apple pie filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are a convenient twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for cozy autumn days, this recipe is easy to make and sure to satisfy your apple pie cravings.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ½ cups flour
- ½ teaspoons alt
- 1 21-ounce can apple pie filling
- For the streusel topping:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the edges of the paper hang over the edges of the pan.
- Beat together the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well combined.
- Add the flour and salt and mix until combined. Press the dough into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.
- Spread the pie filling over the top of the crust.
- Make the streusel topping by whisking together the brown sugar and flour. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Sprinkle the topping over the pie
filling. - Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. The pie bars are finished baking when the filling is bubbling and the streusel topping is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely, then remove them from the pan by pulling the edges of the parchment paper up. Cut into bars before serving.


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