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Apple Bars

By Valentina Dimitrova | Updated on September 28, 2026
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Buttery, glazed Apple Pie Bars combine juicy apple filling with a soft crust, cobbler-style topping, and warm apple pie spice for a glazed dessert with the flavors of classic apple pie.

Apple pie bars with apple filling and vanilla glaze.

Made with canned apple pie filling, this apple pie bars recipe keeps prep simple. These bars have a soft, cake-like crumb with juicy apple filling and a cobbler-style top. Drizzle with vanilla glaze for a smooth, sweet finish, then pair them with caramel apple cider for dessert or an afternoon treat.

Quick Look: Apple Pie Bars

  • ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • ⏲️ Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 18 bars
  • 🍎 Key Ingredients: Apple pie filling, butter, apple pie spice, and vanilla
  • 🥧 Flavor: Sweet apple, vanilla, and warm spices
  • 🥄 Texture: Soft buttery base, juicy apple filling, and tender cobbler-style topping
  • 🍳 Cooking Method: Oven-baked
  • ⭐ Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
  • 🍂 Best For: Potlucks, parties, gatherings, and holiday dessert tables
  • Why This Recipe Works: Prepared apple pie filling keeps prep simple, and the soft, buttery dough stays tender around the juicy apple layer. The cobbler-style top adds more soft, buttery pieces between the apples instead of a solid top crust.

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Chef’s Notes from Valentina

  • Canned apple pie filling keeps prep convenient and gives you consistent results. If you have more time, homemade filling lets you choose the apples and adjust the sweetness and spices to your taste.
  • When making the filling from scratch, Granny Smith or Braeburn apples add tartness that balances the sweet dough and glaze. Honeycrisp or Gala offer a sweeter apple flavor.
  • For serving, the vanilla glaze already adds sweetness. Vanilla ice cream, lightly sweetened whipped cream, or chopped nuts add creamy, light, or crunchy contrast to the soft apple bars.

Ingredients

Butter, sugar, flour, eggs, spices, vanilla, and apple pie filling arranged for the recipe.
  • Unsalted butter – ¾ cup, softened. Butter gives the dough its rich flavor and soft texture. Vegan butter or coconut oil can be used for a vegan option.
  • Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups. Sugar sweetens the dough and contributes to its tender texture. Beet sugar can be used instead.
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon. It balances the sweetness of the crust and apple filling.
  • Apple pie spice – ½ teaspoon. It brings warm spice to the dough. Ground cinnamon or a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg can be used instead.
  • Large eggs – 3, at room temperature. Eggs bind the dough and contribute to its soft, cake-like texture. For an egg-free option, flax eggs or applesauce may work, but this substitution may produce a softer or denser texture.
  • Vanilla extract – 1 ½ teaspoons. Vanilla adds flavor to the buttery dough. You can use almond extract instead for a different flavor.
  • All-purpose flour – 2¼ cups. Flour provides structure for both the base and cobbler-style topping. A 1:1 gluten-free baking flour may work as a substitute, but the texture may differ from the original.
  • Apple pie filling – 21 oz. Use store-bought or homemade apple pie filling. You can also use a mixture of stewed apples and cinnamon. Cut larger apple pieces into smaller chunks before spreading the filling over the dough.
  • Confectioners' sugar – ½ cup. Confectioners' sugar gives the glaze its smooth texture and sweetness. You can also make your own by blending 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
  • Heavy cream – 1 tablespoon. Heavy cream thins the confectioners' sugar to a drizzling consistency. Whole milk or half-and-half can be used instead.
  • Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon. Vanilla flavors the glaze. Almond extract can be used instead.

Substitutions And Additions

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: Skip the vanilla glaze and drizzle store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars instead.

Caramel Pecan Apple Pie Bars: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the apple pie filling before adding the reserved dough on top. Bake, cool, and finish with caramel sauce instead of the vanilla glaze.

Cinnamon Apple Pie Bars: Replace the ½ teaspoon of apple pie spice with ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a classic cinnamon and apple flavor.

Walnut Apple Pie Bars: Fold chopped walnuts into the reserved 1 cup of dough for the topping. Spoon the walnut dough over the apple pie filling, then bake.

How to Make Apple Pie Bars

Apple pie bars from mixing the dough through adding the apple filling, baking, and making the vanilla glaze.

Make the Apple Pie Bars

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease the baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and apple pie spice until they’re well combined.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until it’s incorporated. PIC. 1
    Note: If the mixture starts to curdle after you add the eggs, mix in 2 tablespoons of the flour. This will help bring the mixture back together before you add the remaining flour.
  4. Add the flour: Add the all-purpose flour and mix only until you no longer see dry streaks. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together to avoid overmixing. Set aside 1 cup of the dough for the topping. PIC. 2
  5. Spread the dough: Spread the remaining dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it reaches the edges. PIC. 3
  6. Add the apple filling and topping: Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the dough. Spoon the reserved dough over the filling, as you would when making a cobbler. PIC. 4
  7. Bake and cool: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bars have set and the top looks lightly golden brown. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool before adding the glaze. PIC. 5

Make the Vanilla Glaze

  1. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. PIC. 6
    Note: The glaze should be thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to drizzle. Add a little more cream if it’s too thick. If it’s too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar until you reach the right consistency.
  2. Glaze and slice: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled apple pie bars. Let the glaze set, then slice into 18 bars.
Glazed apple bars stacked with soft apple filling.

Expert Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bars

  • Scrape the mixing bowl between additions. Scrape the bottom and sides after adding the eggs and again after adding the flour to make sure all the ingredients get evenly incorporated into the dough.
  • Use a spatula to spread the dough. Lightly grease a flexible or offset spatula before spreading the thick dough across the pan. Work from the center toward the edges for a smooth, even base.
  • Distribute the reserved dough in small portions. Drop small spoonfuls across the apple filling instead of concentrating the dough in one area. Leave some apple filling visible between the pieces for the cobbler-style top.
  • Wipe the knife between cuts. Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean after each cut. Slice straight through the bars to avoid dragging the glaze and apple filling across the cut edges.

FAQ About Apple Pie Bars

What other fruit fillings can I use for this Apple Pie Bars recipe?

Replace the apple filling with another thick fruit pie filling, such as blueberry, cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, plum, pear, fig, peach, mango, or pineapple.

Can I make apple pie bars with fresh apples?

Yes. Cook chopped fresh apples with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon until the apples soften and the liquid thickens. Cool the filling completely before adding it to the dough.

Can I use oat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes. Substitute oat flour for the all-purpose flour, but expect a denser texture. For a texture closer to the original bars, use all-purpose flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Glazed apple bars on parchment paper over a cooling rack.

Serving Ideas for Apple Pie Bars

  • Vanilla ice cream: Serve a warm apple pie bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic apple-pie-style dessert.
  • Caramel sauce: Drizzle Vegan Caramel Sauce over the bars in place of the vanilla glaze.
  • Whipped cream: Add a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a lighter creamy topping.
  • Coffee: Pair the bars with hot coffee for an easy afternoon treat or dessert.

More Delicious Ways to Enjoy Apples

Did You Love This Recipe? If you make this recipe and love it, stop back, give it a 5-star rating ★★★★★ and leave a comment.

Apple pie bar with juicy apple filling and vanilla glaze.
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5 from 7 votes

Apple Pie Bars

Buttery, glazed Apple Pie Bars combine juicy apple filling with a soft crust, cobbler-style topping, and warm apple pie spice for a glazed dessert with the flavors of classic apple pie.
Course:Dessert
Cuisine:American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 18 bars
Calories249.7 kcal
Author Valentina Dimitrova
Cost $ 0.75 per bar

Equipment

  • 1 oven
  • 1 Baking pan 13 x 9-inch
  • 1 large mixing bowl or use a handle mixer
  • 1 whisk

Ingredients

Apple Bars

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, vegan butter, or coconut oil
  • 1 ½ cups sugar or beet sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
  • 3 large eggs – at room temperature
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract or almond extract
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 21 oz store-bought or homemade apple pie filling

Vanilla Glaze

  • ½ cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream, whole milk, or half-and-half
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or almond extract
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the Apple Pie Bars

  • Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease the baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, salt, and apple pie spice until they’re well combined.
  • Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until it’s incorporated.
  • Note: If the mixture starts to curdle after you add the eggs, mix in 2 tablespoons of the flour. This will help bring the mixture back together before you add the remaining flour.
  • Add the flour: Add the all-purpose flour and mix only until you no longer see dry streaks. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together to avoid overmixing. Set aside 1 cup of the dough for the topping.
  • Spread the dough: Spread the remaining dough evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it reaches the edges.
  • Add the apple filling and topping: Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the dough. Spoon the reserved dough over the filling, as you would when making a cobbler.
  • Bake and cool: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the bars have set and the top looks lightly golden brown. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool before adding the glaze.

Make the Vanilla Glaze

  • Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
    Note: The glaze should be thick enough to coat a spoon but thin enough to drizzle. Add a little more cream if it’s too thick. If it’s too thin, add a little more confectioners’ sugar until you reach the right consistency.
  • Glaze and slice: Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled apple pie bars. Let the glaze set, then slice into 18 bars.

Recipe Notes

Baking may take up to 35 minutes, depending on your oven. Bake until the bars have set and the top looks lightly golden brown.

Storage and Freezing

Room temperature: Store unglazed apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Store bars with the vanilla glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze the bars without the vanilla glaze for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight freezer container or freezer bag.
Thaw: Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator and thaw overnight. Add the vanilla glaze after thawing.
Reheat: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or until warmed to your liking.

Nutrition

Calories: 249.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 40.7g | Protein: 2.7g | Fat: 8.9g | Saturated Fat: 5.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.3g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 48.6mg | Sodium: 92.4mg | Potassium: 46.2mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 24.6g | Vitamin A: 296.3IU | Vitamin C: 0.6mg | Calcium: 11.3mg | Iron: 1mg

** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

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This post was first published on October 20, 2013.

5 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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56 Comments

    1. No, Annie, you don't have to drain it because the "sauce" that comes with the canned fried apples is thick, it supposes to contain cornstarch. If it was a simple syrup or thin liquid, you would have to drain most of it.

      Reply

  2. How can make my own fired apples if our store doesn't stck them? Where is your recipe for the peach cobbler? Thanks. Carole

    Reply

    1. Hi, Carole! You can make your own fried apples (from scratch). It is very easy! For its recipe, please click on the link below:
      https://allrecipes.com/recipe/southern-fried-apples/ But, please double this fried apples recipe in order to make my fried apple cobbler bars!

      The same link can be found in my fried apple cobbler bars recipe -- there is a NOTE under the listed ingredients and there, the link. In the very bottom of the recipe, there is a link for Sara's peach cobbler coffeecake. Have a great day and enjoy!

      Reply

  6. Denise, these apple bars are gorgeous! Pinned! The top looks so crunchy and the glaze really enhances the recipe! I hope you're feeling better now. 🙂

    Reply

  7. One of the many reasons why I love fall is because it's apple season.
    Your recipe looks so decadent and delicious, thank heavens it's apple season, want to prepare it on the spot 🙂

    Reply

  9. I LOVE that we inspire each other!! Blogging can be such a solo endeavor and finding the excitement to post based on someone else's craft is amazing. Love it 🙂

    Apple and cake were fated for each other. Incredible, Denise!

    Happy SRC reveal fellow Group C SRC'er!

    Reply

  10. I am drooling... Loved this recipe..Pinning it... I have never worked with canned fried apples...its a new ingredient to me...sounds yum!!!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Shema! If you don't find ready, you can make it from scratch. I placed a link to the fried apples recipe.

      Reply

  12. Breakfast, lunch or dessert...I can have them any time of the day. They look awesome...whoever would have thought of such a brilliant treat other than you! I hope you are feeling better Denise...get well soon!

    Reply

  13. I have been feeling appley these days. And these make me feel more like apples. But that glaze looks really, really good!

    Reply

  16. OMG - these are making my mouth water. A must make. Glad to be part of SRC group C with you.

    Reply

  21. Hey Denise! Hope you are feeling better my friend. These apple bars look fabulous, gooey and decadent! I love apples in baked goods and you did such an awesome job while being sick. Feel better soon xx

    Nazneen

    Reply

  22. Beautiful my dear. It looks gorgeous and very yummy looking. I've never used fried apples before and can't wait to check that one out.
    Hope you are feeling better my dear.

    Reply

  23. You really have magic hands... Wow, I wish I lived with you (in the good sense of the word)... Haha! Do you have any kids? If you do, they must love what you do! rsrsrs

    Reply

  24. Those look scrumptious! I have a bushel of apples in my mudroom just waiting to be used. I'm going to try these this week! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  25. Wow!!! We had not heard of canned fried apples either, but thanks for the explanation. This looks like an amazing treat!

    Reply

  26. Oh YUM! Your bars look scrumptious! I wish I had these right now for breakfast. I'm not sure what canned fried apples are, though. Is this different from apple pie filling?

    Reply

    1. Hi, Erin! Canned fried apples are available at local supermarkets in the US. Canned fried apples contain more apples and much less sauce than the canned apple pie filling. I have just placed a link for making fried apples from scratch. Thanks a lot for stopping by! Wishing you a great week.

      Reply

  27. Do hope you're feeling better Denise. These look so good, I love how you came up with these. It's a little like the old game where you whisper in someone's ear and then it gets passed on and comes out totally different. These both sound wonderful. I love apple desserts, they're definitely my favorites!

    Reply

  28. Oh my gosh these are delightful indeed. I love apples this time of year. Actually.... that's a lie. I love them any time of the year 🙂

    Reply

  29. Initially I thought it was fried 🙂 then as I read through it was an ingredient. I wish I can find that fried apples in here

    Reply