Name: The best dutch apple pie bars Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup oats; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed; 3 apples, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup softened butter

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If you’re anything like me, you adore everything about apple pie but sometimes crave an easier way to get that cozy, spiced flavor without fussing with a top crust. Meet the best dutch apple pie bars—tender, buttery shortbread base, cinnamony apples piled high, and a generous oat streusel that bakes up golden and irresistible. With all the comfort of a homemade pie and none of the intimidation, these bars are my go-to when I’m craving a dessert that tastes like fall and feels like a hug. Whether for a bake sale, family gathering, or just because, the best dutch apple pie bars always deliver that crowd-pleasing magic.

The best dutch apple pie bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated about the lineup here, but every ingredient truly matters in building that unique combination of crunch, softness, and deep apple flavor. From perfectly tart apples to buttery crust, each part plays its role in making these bars unforgettable!

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone for both your shortbread and streusel, lending the crucial tender bite.
Oats (1/4 cup): A rustic addition to the streusel for a golden, crumbly finish and a bit of wholesome texture.
Brown sugar (1/3 cup for streusel, 1 tbsp for crust): Adds a deep caramel note that pairs so well with apples.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon total): The spice that gives these bars that signature warm, cozy aroma.
Salt (3/4 teaspoon divided): Balances the sweetness and enriches all the flavors.
Cold butter (1/4 cup for streusel, 1/2 cup softened for crust): Makes the crust tender and the streusel crumbly and rich; measure carefully for best results.
Apples (3 large, peeled and thinly sliced): Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect bite and balanced sweetness.
Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon for apples, 1/4 cup for crust): Sweetens both the filling and shortbread just right.
Nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and complexity—you’ll barely notice it, but you’d miss it if it was gone.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Keeps your apples bright, both in color and flavor.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A splash in the crust for that soft, homey undertone.

How to Make The best dutch apple pie bars

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel Topping

The iconic crown of the best dutch apple pie bars is, hands down, the streusel. Start by mixing the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cubed cold butter together in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until you get a mixture with pea-sized clumps—these will bake up crunchy and golden. Pop the bowl in the fridge to keep the butter cold while you work on everything else!

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Shortbread Crust

This is the foundation where all the magic happens. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. The dough will be soft, like cookie dough. Press it evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8 pan. Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F—it should set and start turning lightly golden around the edges, giving you the perfect base for the next layers.

Step 3: Toss the Apple Filling

While the crust is baking, toss your peeled, thinly sliced apples with cinnamon, granulated sugar, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure every slice is coated—this simple step ensures each bite of the best dutch apple pie bars is juicy, spiced, and perfectly balanced thanks to that splash of lemon.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish Baking

Once your crust is out, spread the apple mixture evenly over it so that every corner gets some apple love. Take the cold streusel from the fridge and sprinkle it generously over the apple layer. Bake the bars for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are tender. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like an autumn wonderland!

Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Be patient—let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the layers set up perfectly so you can slice clean, sturdy bars. Lift out using the parchment paper overhang, slice into squares, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel. Now, try not to eat them all at once!

How to Serve The best dutch apple pie bars

Garnishes

These beauties are delicious as is, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar never goes amiss. For a real treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel on top. Each little touch takes these bars right over the top!

Side Dishes

The best dutch apple pie bars are wonderful on their own, but for a complete dessert spread, try pairing with a cup of hot coffee, spiced chai, or even a fresh fruit salad for some contrast. A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt on the side also makes for a lighter, creamy pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For picnics or potlucks, cut the bars small and stack them on a plate lined with parchment for a rustic look. Fancy up your presentation by serving each bar on a tiny dessert plate with caramel artfully drizzled. Or make a bar sundae—top a warm bar with ice cream, nuts, and caramel sauce for an epic dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover bars can be covered and kept at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I recommend using an airtight container to keep them soft but not soggy—the crust stays lovely and crumbly for several days!

Freezing

The best dutch apple pie bars freeze beautifully. Place sliced bars onto a sheet tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator for best results—the texture and flavor stay surprisingly fresh.

Reheating

If you love your apple pie bars a little warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. The streusel crisps up and the apple flavor truly shines when warmed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps are classic choices for their tartness and texture, any firm-fleshed apple will work. Mixing varieties can yield even more complex flavor in the best dutch apple pie bars.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?

You sure can! Just double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on bake time; it might need 5 to 10 extra minutes. The best dutch apple pie bars scale up easily without compromising texture or flavor at all.

How do I get perfectly clean cuts?

Let your bars cool completely before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. You can even chill the bars in the fridge to firm them up for extra neat pieces.

Can I make the bars gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The results will still be tender and delicious.

Is it possible to make these dairy-free?

Definitely—substitute the butter with a good-quality vegan butter alternative that’s made for baking. The best dutch apple pie bars will still have all their buttery richness and crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re yearning for a dessert that captures apple pie nostalgia but fits right in your hand, you cannot go wrong with the best dutch apple pie bars. They’re easy to make, even easier to share, and their sweet, spiced flavor never fails to bring people together. Give them a try; I promise they’ll become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire!