Easy Apple Pie Bars | YumAndJoy

Easy Apple Pie Bars

These easy apple pie bars are the perfect fall treat! Made with a nutty almond and coconut flour crust, sweet-tart apple filling, and a drizzle of caramel, this dessert is both gluten-free and naturally sweetened. Perfect for gatherings or as a cozy snack, these bars deliver all the flavors of a classic apple pie in a simple, handheld form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier Twist: Made with almond flour, coconut oil, and natural sweeteners like honey.
  • Simple to Make: No rolling or pie crust needed—just press, layer, and bake!
  • Perfect Fall Dessert: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Gluten-Free and Refined Sugar-Free: A wholesome treat everyone can enjoy.
  • Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or add nuts for extra texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dough

  • 1/4 cup smooth natural almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 2/3 cups almond flour
  • 1/3 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Filling

  • 3 large sweet-tart apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp arrowroot starch

Caramel

  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Caramel

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the almond butter, honey, coconut oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.

3. Cook the Apple Filling

  • In a skillet over medium heat, combine the apples, water, lemon juice, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and arrowroot starch. Stir until the mixture thickens and the apples soften, about 7–10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking powder.
  • Add the almond butter, coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together.

5. Assemble the Bars

  • Press 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  • Spread the apple mixture over the crust.
  • Crumble the remaining dough on top of the apples.

6. Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set.

7. Cool and Add Caramel

  • Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Drizzle the caramel over the top, slice into 12 bars, and serve.

Servings and Timing

  • Yield: 12 bars
  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
  • Spiced Up: Include ground ginger or cloves for added warmth.
  • Berry Blend: Mix in some fresh or frozen cranberries with the apples for a tart twist.
  • Chocolate Caramel Drizzle: Add melted dark chocolate to the caramel for a richer flavor.
  • Vegan Option: Substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure your baking powder is vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy them warm.
  • Freezing: Freeze the cooled bars in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of almond and coconut flour, but adjust the liquid as needed.

2. What’s the best type of apple to use?

Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady work best for this recipe.

3. Can I skip the caramel drizzle?

Yes, the bars are delicious on their own, but the caramel adds extra sweetness and flavor.

4. Can I use cornstarch instead of arrowroot?

Yes, cornstarch is a perfect substitute for thickening the apple filling.

5. How do I prevent the crust from sticking to the pan?

Line the pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly for easy removal.

6. Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, substitute honey with maple syrup and use a vegan caramel sauce or nut butter drizzle.

7. Can I add a crumbly topping to the caramel layer?

Certainly! Mix some extra oats and brown sugar with coconut oil for a crunchy topping.

8. How do I ensure the apple filling thickens properly?

Mix the starch with a small amount of cold water before adding it to the apples to avoid clumping.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

10. What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, even slices.

Conclusion

These easy apple pie bars are the perfect dessert for fall or any time you’re craving a warm, spiced treat. With a buttery crust, tender apple filling, and a luscious caramel drizzle, they’re sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy these bars as a snack, dessert, or even a cozy breakfast option. Give them a try today and savor the comforting flavors of apple pie in every bite!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy Apple Pie Bars


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These apple pie bars combine a buttery almond flour crust, a spiced apple filling, and a drizzle of caramel for a delightful, healthier dessert. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a quick, satisfying treat!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dough:

  • 1/4 cup smooth natural almond butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 2/3 cups almond flour
  • 1/3 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Filling:

  • 3 large sweet-tart apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp arrowroot starch

For the Caramel:

  • 1/4 cup almond butter
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Make the Caramel:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, honey, coconut oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside.

3. Make the Apple Filling:

  1. In a large skillet, combine the chopped apples, water, arrowroot starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and honey.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Make the Dough:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Add almond butter, melted coconut oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough comes together.

5. Assemble the Bars:

  1. Press 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using a spatula.
  2. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
  3. Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the apple layer.

6. Bake:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set.

7. Cool and Serve:

  1. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
  2. Drizzle the prepared caramel over the cooled bars. Slice into 12 squares and serve.

Notes

  • Pan Prep Tip: Line your pan with parchment paper to easily lift the bars out for clean slicing.
  • Thicker Filling: Mix the arrowroot starch with a small amount of cold water before adding to the apples to avoid clumping.
  • Pressing Dough: Use a spatula to evenly distribute the crust layer for even baking.
  • Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments