One of the things I love about Fall is all of the apple desserts. A piece of warm apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is heavenly. The problem is that it can take a lot of time, so what do you do instead? Well…you make this Easy Dutch Apple Pie Bars Recipe. With 3 layers of goodness, every single bite will have you wanting more!
Do you love apple recipes? Try this Apple Crumb Cake!
What is Dutch Apple Pie?
Dutch Apple Pie is an Apple Pie that is topped with crumbs instead of a pie crust. Sometimes the crumb topping has pieces of pecans in it for extra flavoring.
Best Apples for Apple Pie Bars
Did you know that there are over 7,500 varieties of apples? From sweet to tart and everything in between…that is a whole lot of different apples.
I prefer a tart apple when I am making an Apple Pie Bar because then it plays well with the sweetness. A Granny Smith or Braeburn apple both are great choices.
If you would rather use a sweeter apple than a Honey Crisp, Jazz or Gala would all be great. Better yet, do a combination of both!
3 Layers to these Awesome Apple Pie Bars
- Refrigerated Pie Crust Layer-the first layer is a double thickness of refrigerated pie crust. By using crust from the refrigerator section you are saving so much time!
- Apple Filling-the second layer is the apple pie filling. Peeling and slicing the apples very thin allows them to cook very quickly. Adding a bit of flour will keep the filling thick and the spices make it so delicious.
- Crumble Topping-I have to admit that this is my favorite part. Brown sugar, butter, flour and spices are combined to create the perfect end to these exceptional bars.
How to Make Dutch Apple Pie Bars
Crust Layer:
- Unroll two refrigerated pie crusts. Lay one on top of the other to create a double crust.
- Set the 9×9 baking pan on top of the crusts and using the bottom of the pan as a template, cut a square from the crusts. This will ensure that it fits perfectly into the pan.
- Place the square that you just cut into the bottom of your 9×9 pan that has been prepared by lining it with parchment paper.
- Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. Remove and turn the oven down to 350 degrees.
Apple Pie Filling & Crumble Topping:
- Combine peeled and thinly sliced apples with the sugar, flour and spices. Stir until all of the apples are nicely coated.
- Pour the apples over the partially baked crust and spread out into an even layer.
- Mix together all of the crumble ingredients into a bowl and mix until you have both small and large crumbs.
- Spread the crumbs on top of the apple mixture in an even layer, making sure to try and cover all of the apples.
Bake the bars in the 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are softened and the crumble is starting to turn golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow the Dutch Apple Pie Bars to cool in the pan.
Once cool, remove the entire pan of bars by pulling up on the parchment paper. Place on a cutting board and cut into 12 even squares.
Can you freeze Apple Pie Bars?
Can you freeze Apple Pie Bars?Yes! You can freeze these Dutch Apple Pie Bars for up to 3 months. There are a couple of ways to do it.
I would freeze them cut in squares already. They can be individually wrapped and put into a freezer bag or put the bars into a freezer proof container and double wrapped in plastic wrap. I also suggest putting a layer of parchment or wax paper between bars if you have layers.
Ways to Serve your Easy Dutch Apple Pie Bars
These bars are amazing straight from the pan. They are great warm or cold but that doesn’t mean you can’t jazz them up a bit.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special dessert that friends and family won’t soon forget.
Maybe a simple dollop of whipped cream with a sprinkling of chopped pecans is all you need to take it over the top.
Do you love apple desserts? Try these awesome recipes…
- Apple Crumb Cake
- Baked Pancake Mix Apple Cider Donuts
- Cake Mix Apple Cobbler
- Easy Apple Turnovers
- Apple Crisp Skillet
- Apple Cream Cheese Braid
Easy Dutch Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crumble
- ½ cup brown sugar {packed}
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter {melted}
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bars
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts {at room temperature}
- 4 Granny Smith apples {peeled and thinly sliced}
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar {packed}
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400° and line a 9x9 pan with parchment paper.
Crumble
- Combine brown sugar, flour, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt in bowl and whisk. Add vanilla extract to melted butter. Add & toss with dry ingredients until moist. You want to have crumbles {both large and small}. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Crust
- Once the refrigerated pie crust is at room temperature, unroll and place on top of one another to create a thick crust. Use the bottom of your 9x9 pan as a template to cut a square and place it into the bottom of the parchment lined 9x9 baking pan. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.
Apple Mixture
- While the crust is baking, combine the apple slices, flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
Assembly & Baking
- Add apple mixture to the top of the partially baked crust and spread out into an even layer. Remove crumble mixture from refrigerator and spread out over the top of the apple mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the apples are tender and the crumble starts to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Remove from the pan using the parchment paper, cut and serve. Store leftovers in an air tight container at room temperature or in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm in microwave if desired. Freeze for up to 3 months.
