Flaky Apple Pie Bars Recipe

There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of apple pie filling the kitchen. But sometimes, you need all that classic flavor without the hassle of rolling out dough. These Flaky Apple Pie Bars deliver everything you love about traditional apple pie—tender spiced apples, buttery layers, and a crisp, golden crust—in an easy-to-make bar form.

I first made these on a crisp autumn afternoon when I wanted a quick dessert for a family gathering. The result? A tray of perfectly flaky, cinnamon-scented bars that disappeared within minutes. Now, they’re my go-to recipe when I need a crowd-pleasing fall treat.

Why You'll Love These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite apple dessert! These Flaky Apple Pie Bars combine all the best parts of classic apple pie with the ease of a bar cookie.

First, they’re incredibly simple to make. No rolling pin, no pie dish—just a few layers, a bit of mixing, and you’re good to go.

Second, they have the perfect balance of textures. The flaky crust, tender apple filling, and crisp topping create an irresistible contrast in every bite.

They’re also a fantastic make-ahead treat. These bars taste just as delicious the next day, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon snack.

Best of all, you can easily customize them. Whether you like your apples extra spiced, your crust extra flaky, or a drizzle of caramel on top, this recipe can be adapted to your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Flaky Apple Pie Bars comes from simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create a delicious, bakery-style dessert.

Apples are the star of the show. I love using a mix of tart and sweet varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the perfect balance of flavors. Peel and thinly slice them so they bake evenly.

Butter is key to a perfectly flaky crust. Make sure to use cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice to the filling. Don’t skip them—they bring out the natural sweetness of the apples and give these bars their classic apple pie flavor.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create a rich, caramel-like sweetness. The brown sugar enhances the depth of flavor, while the white sugar ensures a crisp topping.

A store-bought puff pastry makes this recipe incredibly easy while still delivering that signature flakiness. You could make your own, but trust me—this shortcut is a game-changer.

How To Make These Flaky Apple Pie Bars

Making these bars is easier than you think, and the result is well worth it. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures your bars don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Next, roll out one sheet of puff pastry and place it in the prepared pan, pressing gently to fit. This will be your bottom crust. Prick it with a fork a few times to prevent bubbling while it bakes.

In a large mixing bowl, toss your thinly sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. This helps the flavors meld together and keeps the apples from browning too quickly.

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the puff pastry. Then, roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and place it on top, sealing the edges by pressing them together with a fork.

Brush the top crust with a bit of egg wash for that beautiful golden color, then sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the top for a slight crunch.

Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp. Let the bars cool before slicing—this allows the filling to set and makes cutting much easier.

Storage Options

These Flaky Apple Pie Bars store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them up in a low oven.

To reheat, pop a bar in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore the crisp texture of the crust.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun variations you might want to try:

If you love extra spice, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple filling for a deeper, more complex flavor.

For a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the apple filling and the top crust.

Prefer a sweeter finish? Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled bars before serving for a decadent touch.

Need a gluten-free option? Swap the puff pastry for a gluten-free pie crust, or use a homemade almond flour crust instead.

Want an extra indulgent treat? Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

No matter how you enjoy them, these Flaky Apple Pie Bars are sure to be a new favorite. Give them a try, and let me know your favorite variation!

Print