Published 11/18/2019 • Updated 10/18/2023
We have no shortage of apple recipes on Fit Foodie Finds! With so many apple orchards around us in the Minneapolis area, apples are bountiful this time of year. We love coming up with delicious ways to bake with apples like this brown butter apple galette and these apple cinnamon rolls.
Today’s heavenly apple pie bars have the same great flavors as an apple crisp and apple tart, but are baked in a square pan and served bar-style. If you love apple pie, are gluten free, and want a dessert made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is for you!
What is in apple pie bars?
There are 3 parts to love about homemade apple pie bars. Each part is made with basic pantry ingredients – nothing fancy needed!
Apple Pie Bar Substitutions
These naturally gluten free apple pie bars are easily customizable to what ingredients you have on hand. Try a few of these substitutions: There is no need to add a thickener like cornstarch, but feel free to add 1-2 tablespoons to expedite the thickening process. Apples: We tested this recipe with Granny Smith apples for a little tartness, but any kind of apples work great. Butter: For gluten free AND vegan bars, swap coconut oil 1:1 for the butter in the crust and the crumble. Nuts: Instead of pecans, use the same amount of chopped walnuts or almonds.
Storage
These apple pie bars are a wonderful make-ahead dessert recipe, especially for Thanksgiving when oven space is always a little tight! Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, tightly cover the pan of bars with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and serving. Store any leftover pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Apple Desserts
Apple Crisp and Mini Apple Crisps Apple Tart Apple Cinnamon Bread Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Brown Butter Apple Galette
Freezing Apple Pie Bars
Once fully cooled, cut the pan of bars into squares, place in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until fully frozen. Remove the bars from the freezer, wrap individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and place into freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator to thaw, then enjoy cold or warm up the bars prior to serving.
Serving Suggestions
These apple pie bars are a delicious addition to any fall meal, potluck, gathering, or celebration (including Thanksgiving!)! Serve as-is, or with a drizzle of salted caramel, scoop of vanilla ice cream, sprinkle of chopped pecans, or dollop of whipped cream.
