Name: Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups unsalted butter (cold); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1½ teaspoons salt; ¾ cup ice water (add more as needed); 10-12 apples, thinly sliced and quartered (about 12 cups); ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon lemon juice; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3-4 tablespoons water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

If you’re anything like me, you adore all things apple and pastry combined—and that’s exactly why this Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe has become a total game-changer in my kitchen. Imagine your favorite apple pie, but in perfectly portioned, easy-to-handle bars with a dreamy flaky crust and a subtle sweet glaze on top. This recipe makes dessert time feel like a warm hug, and once you try it, I promise you’ll be hooked too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flaky, buttery crust: The crust is crisp and light, not heavy or doughy, making every bite irresistible.
Easy to share: Bars mean everyone’s got their own perfect slice, no awkward pie cutting required.
Perfect balance: The sweet and cinnamon-spiced apple filling complements the crust beautifully.
Make ahead friendly: You can prep these bars in advance and keep them fresh for days.

A close-up of a slice of apple pie resting on a dark baking tray, showing a thick, light brown apple filling with visible chunks inside a lightly golden, flaky crust. The pie has a layer of smooth, white icing on top, with small crumbs scattered around the tray. In the background, two red apples sit on a white marbled surface. The overall colors are warm with the pie’s soft tones contrasting with the apples’ bright red hues. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love that this Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together brilliantly. The secret to that flaky crust is the cold butter and just the right amount of ice water, while the apple filling calls for a mix of sweet and tart flavors you can find in most grocery stores.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust; make sure it’s fresh for best texture.
Unsalted butter (cold): The cold butter creates those lovely flaky layers in the crust.
Granulated sugar: A little in the dough and filling to balance tartness.
Salt: Enhances flavor complexity in the crust.
Ice water: Keep it cold — it helps the crust stay flaky and tender.
Apples (thinly sliced and quartered): I like a mix of tart and sweet apples; Granny Smith plus Fuji or Honeycrisp work wonders.
Brown sugar (packed): Adds depth and warmth to the filling’s sweetness.
Cinnamon: The classic spice that makes this filling sing.
Lemon juice: A splash to keep the apples bright and fresh-tasting.
Powdered sugar: For the frosting — it’s light and adds just a hint of sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth to the glaze without overpowering the apples.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of this Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often tweak the spices or add extras to suit the season or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Spiced up: I’ve added nutmeg and a pinch of ground ginger for a little extra warmth during cozy fall evenings.
Nutty crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for that delightful texture contrast — my family goes crazy for it.
Gluten-free crust: I’ve swapped all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and it still turns out flaky and delicious.
Caramel drizzle: Sometimes, I finish these bars with a homemade caramel drizzle for an indulgent treat.

How to Make Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flaky Crust

Start by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in your chilled butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs — this step is what gives you those flaky layers. Then slowly drizzle in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just holds together. Avoid overworking it; you want it cool and tender. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least 30 minutes—this rest is key to rolling it out without sticking or tearing.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While the dough chills, toss your thinly sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice. This mix ensures the apples soften and the juices thicken properly when baked, keeping your bars from getting soggy but still juicy and sweet.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Divide your dough into two equal parts. Roll out one half into a rectangle that fits your baking pan, then press it gently into the pan, making sure to get the edges. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Next, roll out the second dough half and lay it on top. I like to trim the edges and crimp them together for a neat finish. Poke small holes in the top crust to let steam escape. This little step helped me get the perfect bake without a soggy crust every time.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Bake your apple pie bars at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. No need to rush this—waiting for that perfect caramelized color and tender apples really pays off. When I first made this, I kept checking early and almost pulled it out too soon. Trust the timer and your nose—apple pie smells that good when it’s done!

Step 5: Whip Up the Light Frosting

While the bars cool, mix powdered sugar with water and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle it over the bars once they’re completely cooled. This glaze is the final touch that adds a gentle sweetness without overwhelming the apples or crust. If you let the bars cool less, the glaze might melt into a glaze-like drizzle, which is tasty too—just know it’s prettier and cleaner when the bars are cool.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe

Keep Everything Cold: I learned that keeping your butter and water ice-cold is crucial to flakiness—warm butter means tough crust.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming dense—crumbly and tender is the goal.
Slice Apples Thinly: Thin apple slices cook evenly and blend better with the crust’s texture; thick slices risk uneven baking.
Cool Bars Thoroughly: Let the bars cool completely before adding glaze; otherwise, it melts and gets soggy.

How to Serve Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a single-layer pie with a golden, flaky crust that has a detailed crimped edge. The filling is covered by a smooth, glossy white icing layer that looks slightly thick and evenly spread across the top. The pie sits on a white marbled surface with a few red apples blurred in the background, adding a pop of color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—a light dusting of powdered sugar or a small sprig of fresh mint when serving. Occasionally, I’ll add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, which melts beautifully into warm bars. It’s pure comfort food perfection!

Side Dishes

This apple pie bars recipe goes wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea to balance the sweetness. For something extra, I enjoy serving it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a tangy sharp cheddar cheese slice—yes, really! The contrast is a pleasant surprise.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I cut these bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter with the glaze drizzled in a zigzag pattern. I’ve also layered them with fresh apple slices and edible flowers to make them look like a rustic fancy dessert. Everyone asks for the recipe when I do that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but honestly, mine never last that long. If you want to store them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week—just bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these apple pie bars both baked and unbaked. If freezing unbaked, wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. Baked bars freeze well when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and foil; thaw at room temp and refresh in the oven for a few minutes to bring back crispness.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop a bar in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes — you get that crispy crust again without drying out the filling. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the crust a bit soggy, so I try to avoid it.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe?

Frozen apples tend to release more water as they thaw, which can make the filling watery and affect the crust’s texture. If you must use frozen, be sure to thaw them thoroughly and drain excess moisture before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
What type of apples work best in Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe?

I recommend a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. This blend provides a nice balance between tartness and natural sweetness for a delicious filling.
How do I make sure the crust stays flaky?

Keeping your butter cold, adding ice water carefully, and not overmixing the dough are essential steps. Chilling the dough before rolling it out also helps maintain that flaky texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling separately ahead of time. Assemble the bars and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring them to room temperature before baking for the best results.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Bars with Flaky Crust Recipe is one of those comforting classics elevated into an easy, shareable treat. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and leaves the kitchen smelling amazing. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s something so special about a homemade apple pie bar that just feels like a hug in every bite. Give it a try on a cozy afternoon or for your next gathering. I’m pretty sure you’ll be seeing this recipe in your favorites list soon!