Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars – Ever get hit with a craving for apple pie but then remember all the work that goes into making one? Yeah, same here. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good apple pie. But one autumn afternoon, I was cozying up with a hot cup of tea, watching the leaves fall, and the thought of rolling out pie dough just felt like… too much. I wanted those warm cinnamon apples and that buttery, crumbly crust – but in a way that didn’t feel like a full baking project. So, the Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars were born!
The first time I made them, I’ll admit, they disappeared way faster than expected. My family barely waited for them to cool, and honestly, I can’t blame them. The whole house smelled like cinnamon and apples, and I couldn’t resist either. Now, these bars are a regular in my fall baking lineup. They’re easy to make, easy to share (if you’re willing), and they give you that cozy apple pie vibe without all the fuss. Trust me, if you’re an apple pie lover, these bars are your new best friend.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars?
- All the Apple Pie Flavor, Less Effort: You get that buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and crumbly topping without needing a pie dish or fancy lattice work.
- Perfect for Sharing… or Not: These bars cut up easily, so they’re great for parties, family gatherings, or just as a snack stash for yourself.
- Ultimate Fall Comfort: The combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little cardamom just hits different when the weather gets cooler, you know?
- Easy to Make Ahead: They taste even better the next day, so you can prep them in advance and they’re ready to go whenever you want a slice (or two).
Ingredients Notes:
Let’s break down the essentials that make these Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars so delicious. Every ingredient has a purpose here – no extras, just the good stuff.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter is the heart of that buttery crust and crumble. It brings that rich, slightly caramelized flavor that makes every bite perfect.
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the base without overpowering the apple filling. Simple, classic.
- Vanilla Extract: It might seem minor, but vanilla gives the base this subtle warmth that makes it taste a little more special.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of both the crust and topping – it’s what makes these bars soft but still crumbly.
- Granny Smith Apples: These apples are slightly tart, which balances out the sweetness and gives a good apple flavor without turning mushy. Use your favorites if you want something sweeter!
- Brown Sugar: Adds that caramel-y sweetness to the topping, which pairs perfectly with the spiced apples.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cardamom: These spices are like a cozy sweater in food form. The cinnamon is a must, but nutmeg and cardamom add that extra something that just feels like fall.
- Melted Butter: Using melted butter in the crumble gives it that sandy, crumbly texture – perfect for topping off these bars.
How To Make Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars?
Making these Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars is way easier than making an entire pie, but the flavors are all there. Let’s dive in!
- Make the Base: Start by preheating your oven to 300˚F. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy (you’re looking for that soft, airy texture). Add in the vanilla extract and mix well. In another bowl, combine the flour and salt, then slowly add it to the butter mixture until you have a smooth dough.
- Press and Bake: Line a 9″x9″ baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some extra over the edges for easy lifting later. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan – you want an even layer here. Bake for about 15 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: While the base is baking, slice up your apples and toss them with 2 tablespoons of flour, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Coat the apples evenly with the spices – this is where all that warm, cozy flavor comes from!
- Layer the Apples: Once the base is out of the oven, layer the apples on top, pressing them down gently to help them stay in place. Spread them evenly so every bite has that perfect apple goodness.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a food processor or blender, combine the remaining brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Pulse until you have a sandy, crumbly texture with small clumps – this will give you that perfect topping.
- Bake Again and Cool: Increase the oven temperature to 350˚F. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
Storage Options:
These bars are super make-ahead friendly. Once cooled and cut into squares, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container – they’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge, and if you like them warm, give them a quick reheat in the microwave.
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Variations and Substitutions:
Want to put your own spin on these Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars? Here are some easy ideas:
- Different Apples: Granny Smiths are my go-to for that tart flavor, but if you like something sweeter, go for Honeycrisp or Gala. Each one adds a little twist!
- Add Some Crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumble would be amazing if you want an extra crunch.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap in a good gluten-free baking mix for the all-purpose flour. These bars will still have that soft and crumbly texture.
- Extra Spices: Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for an extra layer of fall flavor.
- Drizzle with Caramel: If you’re a caramel lover, drizzle a little over each bar right before serving. It’s like an instant upgrade!
What to Serve With Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars?
These bars are perfect as-is, but if you want to make them extra special, try pairing them with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate combo – warm apple bars with cold ice cream? Yes, please!
- Whipped Cream: A little whipped cream on top keeps things light and creamy. It’s simple, but so good.
- Hot Apple Cider: For a full-on fall treat, pair these with a mug of spiced cider.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle on some caramel for a sweet finish – it’s a perfect match for the cinnamon and apples.
- Coffee or Tea: The cinnamon and apple flavors go beautifully with a warm drink, especially when you’re cozying up on a chilly day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They’re even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store them in the fridge and grab a square whenever you’re ready.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yep! Just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Perfect for when you need a quick treat!
So if you’re craving apple pie but don’t want the whole pie-making commitment, give these Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars a shot! They’re cozy, delicious, and easy to make ahead. Plus, they’re the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of tea or coffee on a chilly day. Let me know if they hit the spot for you – are you a fan of apple pie bars?
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 Granny Smith apples peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour divided
- 1/2 cup plus 4 tablespoons brown sugar divided
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
- Prepare the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Press and Bake the Base: Line a 9"x9" deep-sided baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it is smooth and level. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: While the base bakes, place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of flour, 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Layer the Apples: Remove the base from the oven and arrange the spiced apple mixture evenly over it, pressing down gently to ensure they stay in place.
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a food processor or blender, combine the remaining brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Pulse or blend until the mixture resembles wet sand with small clumps.
- Bake the Bars: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples in an even layer, covering them completely. Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set. Once chilled, cut into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
