Flaky Apple Pie Bars

If apple pie is the queen of desserts, then Flaky Apple Pie Bars are her charming, easygoing cousin the one who shows up to every event with something warm, buttery, and nostalgic in hand. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, baking for the holidays, or just craving that cinnamon-apple goodness without rolling out a full pie, this apple pie bars recipe is about to become your go-to.

These apple pie squares are layered with a melt-in-your-mouth crust, juicy apple filling, and a delicate crumb topping made from the reserved dough. They’re flaky, sweet, and just the right amount of rustic.

Why You’ll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

• The crust? Buttery and tender, almost like shortbread meets pastry.
• The filling? Warm, gooey apples tossed with sugar and cinnamon.
• The topping? Crumbly, nutty, and golden.
• No pie plate, no fuss just slice and serve.
• These apple pie bars travel well and make amazing leftovers (if they last that long).

Ingredients You’ll Need (Measurements in the Recipe Card Below)

This recipe for apple pie squares uses simple pantry ingredients, but the flavor is anything but basic.

For the Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Egg yolks
• Butter or vegetable shortening
• Granulated sugar
• Milk

For the Filling

• Granny Smith apples – tart and sturdy for baking
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping

• Reserved crust dough
• Brown sugar
• Crushed pecans – for that lovely crunch
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour

How to Make Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in the butter or shortening until crumbly. Stir in the egg yolks and milk until a soft dough forms. Reserve about ¾ cup of this dough for the topping and refrigerate it. Press the rest evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan to form the crust.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss thinly sliced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. Make sure the apples are well coated this is where the magic begins.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. In a small bowl, mix the reserved dough with brown sugar, white sugar, flour, and pecans. Crumble this mixture over the apples.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling. Let cool before slicing into bars for perfect squares.

Estimated Nutrition

Nutrition Facts (per bar – approx., based on 16 bars)

• Calories: 280
• Carbs: 36g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 14g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 2g

Time Overview

• Prep Time: PT20M
• Cook Time: PT45M
• Total Time: PT1H5M

Tips for the Flakiest Apple Pie Bars

• Use cold butter or shortening for the flakiest crust.
• Slice your apples thin and even so they bake at the same rate.
• Let the bars cool fully before slicing for clean edges.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the apples for extra warmth.

How to Serve + Store

These flaky apple pie bars are perfect on their own, but even better with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A drizzle of caramel sauce
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. You can also freeze them (yes, really!) just thaw and reheat slightly before serving.

My Favorite Fall Treat

This recipe brings back memories of my grandma baking sheet pan pies for every church event, school bake sale, and family get-together. Only difference? She didn’t call them “bars” but they disappeared faster than a whole pie ever did. These apple pie bars feel like home, every single time.

FAQ

Final Thoughts on Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Warm, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible, Flaky Apple Pie Bars are everything you love about apple pie in a portable, party-perfect format. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving fall flavors, this apple pie bars recipe is flaky, flavorful, and full of love.

🍏 Scroll down for the full recipe with exact measurements and directions!

Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Flaky Apple Pie Bars combine all the goodness of a classic apple pie into easy-to-serve squares with buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and a crunchy crumb topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 bars

Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan
• Mixing bowls
• Oven

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 cup butter or vegetable shortening
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Filling

• 8 small Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Crumb Topping

• 3/4 cup reserved dough from crust preparation chilled
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 handful crushed pecans optional
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter or shortening until crumbly. Stir in egg yolks and milk until a soft dough forms.
• Reserve about 3/4 cup of dough and refrigerate. Press remaining dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
• In another bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
• Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
• In a small bowl, mix the reserved dough with brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and pecans. Crumble over the apples.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

These bars are perfect for parties or potlucks. You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5.

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