Description
These easy Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery cinnamon crumble crust and topping with a spiced apple filling. Using a yellow cake mix for the base, this dessert is tender, crumbly, and requires no rolling pin, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced (about 450g)
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ½ cup butterscotch chips
- Optional: Extra cinnamon sugar for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, optionally lining with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
- Spread the apple mixture over the crust layer in the pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the apples. Add optional nuts or butterscotch chips if desired.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour) before cutting to ensure they set properly.
Notes
It is crucial to let the bars cool completely before cutting, otherwise the layers will separate. For best texture, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith. The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They are also freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: apple pie bars, cinnamon crumble, easy dessert, fall recipes, cake mix dessert, make-ahead dessert, gluten-free option