Apple Bars

I love the way fall fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon, apples, and sweet baked crusts. Apple bars were actually the very first dessert I ever baked with my grandmother, and that memory has stayed with me like a warm blanket on a crisp October day. The moment we pulled the tray out of the oven and that buttery apple scent hit us, I knew this recipe would be a lifelong favorite.

So now, whenever I feel nostalgic or want to bring something comforting to a gathering, I make these apple bars. They have the perfect blend of soft, spiced apples layered between a tender crust and a sweet crumble topping. And with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top, they look as cozy as they taste.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Apples – The heart of the recipe, they bring sweetness, moisture, and a lovely texture to every bite
• All-purpose flour – Creates structure for both the crust and topping
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the crust and the filling
• Brown sugar – Adds a deeper, caramel-like sweetness to the crumble
• Ground cinnamon – Gives that warm, cozy spice that pairs perfectly with apples
• Butter – Used in the crust and topping to make everything rich and tender
• Baking powder – Helps give a little lift to the base layer
• Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness
• Vanilla extract – Adds aroma and depth to the crust
• Egg – Helps bind the crust and adds richness
• Powdered sugar – Just for dusting the top for a beautiful finish

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – For preparing the crust, topping, and apple filling separately
• Hand mixer or whisk – To cream the butter and sugar until fluffy
• 9×13-inch baking dish – The perfect size for evenly baking the bars
• Spatula – For spreading layers smoothly and scraping down the bowl
• Peeler and knife – To peel and slice the apples thinly
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate baking every time
• Cooling rack – Helps cool the bars properly without becoming soggy
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer – For dusting the powdered sugar evenly

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This gives me a smooth, non-stick surface and ensures even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, I cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Then I add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined. I stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt just until the dough forms. I press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

While the crust chills for a minute, I peel and slice the apples thinly. I toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This lets the apples release some of their juices and soak up that warm spice.

Step 4: Layer the Apples

I layer the spiced apple mixture evenly over the crust, making sure it’s all nicely covered. The juices from the apples will bake into the crust and soften it beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Crumble Topping

With the remaining dough, I pinch off bits and sprinkle them over the top of the apple layer. I don’t try to cover it perfectly — the slightly uneven crumbles give it that rustic, homemade look I love.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

I bake the apple bars in the preheated oven for about 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. The smell alone will tell you they’re ready.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Once they’re done, I let them cool completely on a wire rack. After they’ve set, I dust the top with powdered sugar using a fine mesh strainer. That final snowy touch makes them look extra special.

Tips

I like to use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor

If you’re short on time, you can prep the crust and topping in advance and keep them chilled

Don’t skip the cooling time it helps the bars firm up and slice cleanly

You can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping for an extra crunch

Ways to Serve

I love serving these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top

You can pack them for lunchboxes or picnic treats they travel well!

For a cozy brunch, pair them with a cup of hot cider or coffee

Drizzle a little caramel sauce on top for a decadent dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make apple bars ahead of time?

Yes, apple bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just warm slightly before serving.

What are the best apples to use for apple bars?

I recommend a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji or Honeycrisp.

Can I freeze apple bars?

Absolutely! I let them cool fully, then freeze in an airtight container. They thaw beautifully at room temperature.

Do these apple bars need to be refrigerated?

They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days, but I usually refrigerate them for longer freshness.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these apple bars a try! They’re comforting, classic, and incredibly easy to make. Let me know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to save the recipe for your next cozy baking day.

Happy Cooking!

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