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Apple Pie Bars

These Apple Pie Bars have a thick buttery shortbread crust, gooey caramel apple filling, and a buttery oatmeal crumble topping for an easy twist on classic apple crumb pie.
Servings: 12 bars
Author: Stephanie
Print Recipe
Apple pie bars in a glass 9 x 13 baking pan on a stone surface with forks plates and apple surrounding it.
Prep Time:35 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Cool Time:45 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 10 minutes

Equipment

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • 9 x 13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixer and bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl

Ingredients

Shortbread crust:

  • 1 cup salted butter at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Apple filling:

  • 5 Granny Smith apples peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Crumble topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup cold salted butter cubed

Instructions

Shortbread crust:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
  • In a mixer bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the flour just until combined. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Apple filling:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, caramel sauce, flour, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Spread the apples over the dough in an even layer.

Crumble topping:

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Rub the cold butter into the flour mixture until pea-sized pieces form. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
  • Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 45 minutes before cutting into 12 bars.

Notes

  • Store Apple Pie Bars covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • To freeze, wrap individual bars in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples can be substituted for Granny Smith apples.
  • For clean slices, allow the bars to cool for at least 45 minutes before cutting.