There's nothing quite like the warm, spiced aroma of baked apples filling your kitchen. These Flaky Apple Pie Bars are everything you love about a classic apple pie—sweet, cinnamony apples, a golden, buttery crust, and a touch of vanilla—all in an easy-to-make bar form.

I first made these bars when I was craving apple pie but didn’t want to fuss with rolling out dough. They turned out so perfectly crisp and flavorful that now, they’re my go-to dessert for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in. The best part? No need to make a traditional pie crust—this simple dough comes together in minutes!

Why You'll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Get ready to fall in love with this easy and delicious apple dessert! These bars are the perfect balance of crispy, flaky layers and tender, caramelized apples.

First, they’re so much easier than pie. Instead of rolling out a fussy crust, you simply press the dough into the pan. The top layer gets crumbled on, creating a beautifully crisp, golden topping.

Second, the flavors are irresistible. The apples bake down into a luscious, jammy filling with just the right amount of cinnamon and brown sugar. Every bite is bursting with warm, cozy flavors.

They’re also perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, bringing them to a potluck, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these bars fit right in.

And let’s not forget their flaky, buttery crust. Thanks to a simple dough enriched with butter, this crust is light and crisp, with just the right amount of tenderness.

Once you try these bars, you may never go back to making a full apple pie again!

Ingredients Notes

These apple pie bars are made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully.

Apples – The star of the show! Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture. Sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work but may require slightly less sugar.

Butter – Creates a rich, flaky crust. Use cold, unsalted butter and cut it into the flour mixture for the perfect crumbly texture.

Flour – All-purpose flour provides the base for the crust and crumble topping. If you want a nuttier flavor, try swapping in a bit of whole wheat flour.

Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar – A mix of both adds sweetness and depth. Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully with the apples, while white sugar keeps the filling from being too heavy.

Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic warm spices that bring out the natural sweetness of the apples. Feel free to adjust to taste or add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor and brings everything together with a subtle sweetness.

Cornstarch – Helps thicken the apple filling so it doesn’t become runny.

Egg & Ice Water – Essential for binding the crust together while keeping it flaky and tender.

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch baking dish and parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.

How To Make These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Making these apple pie bars is surprisingly simple. The process involves creating a buttery crust, making a delicious apple filling, and layering everything together before baking to golden perfection.

Start by preparing the crust. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in a beaten egg and a few tablespoons of ice water just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half and chill for at least 30 minutes.

While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples, then toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and cornstarch. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Roll out one half of the chilled dough and press it into a parchment-lined baking dish. This forms the bottom crust. Pour the apple filling over the crust and spread it evenly.

Take the remaining half of the dough and crumble it over the top, creating a flaky, rustic topping. If you prefer a neater look, roll it out and lay it over the apples, pinching the edges to seal.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes, until the crust is golden and the apples are bubbling. Let the bars cool completely before slicing—this helps them set up for cleaner cuts.

Storage Options

These apple pie bars store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

For short-term storage, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The crust will stay crisp, and the filling will develop even more flavor.

If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in a low oven before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to your liking!

Try a different fruit – Swap out the apples for pears, peaches, or a mix of berries for a delicious twist. Adjust the sugar based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.

Add a crunchy topping – Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble for extra texture and nutty flavor.

Make them gluten-free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of these bars.

Drizzle with caramel – Take these bars to the next level by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Use a different spice blend – While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, try adding cardamom, ginger, or allspice for a different flavor profile.

No matter how you make them, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are sure to be a hit. Whether you're baking them for a special occasion or just because you're craving something sweet, they deliver all the comforting flavors of homemade apple pie—with half the effort!