Sometimes, the best recipes come from the most unexpected places – like a collaborative kitchen session with my kids! When I asked my energetic little helpers for their input on our next baking adventure, “Easy Apple Pie Bars” was their enthusiastic suggestion. And you know what? When the kids choose it, it usually means it’s a winner. Let’s dive into this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious recipe that might just change your mind about apple pie.

Easy Apple Pie Bars: Your Go-To Recipe for a Quick Apple Treat

I’ll be honest, when this month’s Crazy Cooking Challenge revolved around pie, I wasn’t jumping with joy. Call me peculiar, but I’ve never been much of a pie person. My brother, however, would gladly trade his birthday cake for a slice of pie – a preference I always found, well, a little odd! Yet, these Easy Apple Pie Bars completely won me over. They take all the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie and transform them into a convenient, delightful bar format that’s perfect for sharing or a sweet personal indulgence.

What makes these bars truly special is their incredible simplicity. Utilizing readily available ingredients like canned crescent dough and apple pie filling, they cut down on prep time without sacrificing that beloved homemade taste. The result is a buttery, flaky crust, a warmly spiced apple filling, and a sweet, crumbly topping, all finished with a delicate cinnamon glaze. It’s the kind of dessert that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you just crave something sweet and satisfying.

Why These Apple Pie Bars Are a Must-Try

Forget the complexities of traditional pie crusts and the lengthy baking times. Our Easy Apple Pie Bars are designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Effortless Preparation: Using pre-made crescent dough significantly reduces the time and effort typically associated with baking. No rolling, no chilling, no fuss!
• Kid-Friendly Fun: As my kids can attest, this recipe is simple enough for little hands to help with, turning baking into a fun family activity.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dessert after dinner, a potluck contribution, a holiday gathering, or a cozy fall treat, these bars fit right in.
• Portable & Easy to Serve: Unlike a traditional pie, bars are inherently easy to cut, serve, and eat. They’re great for parties or packing in lunchboxes.
• Irresistible Flavor: Despite their ease, these bars deliver all the classic comfort of apple pie – sweet, spiced apples nestled in a tender crust with a delightful streusel topping.

Key Ingredients for Your Easy Apple Pie Bars

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet effective ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile.

The Flaky Base: Crescent Dough

The foundation of these bars is a tube of refrigerated crescent dough. This ingenious shortcut provides an instantly flaky, buttery crust that requires virtually no effort. Simply unroll it, press it into your baking pan, and you’re halfway to a delicious dessert. For an even easier experience, look for crescent dough sheets, which eliminate the need to pinch seams closed.

Sweet Core: Canned Apple Pie Filling

To keep things wonderfully simple, we use a can of apple pie filling. This saves a tremendous amount of time on peeling, coring, and slicing apples, as well as preparing a spiced sauce from scratch. While the filling is already perfect as is, a quick chop with a butter knife helps break down larger apple pieces for a more even distribution in each bar, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Crunchy & Sweet: The Crumbly Topping

A simple streusel-like topping made from Bisquick, packed brown sugar, and cold butter elevates these bars from good to outstanding. Bisquick provides a convenient blend of flour, leavening, and fat, making it an excellent base for a quick crumble. When combined with brown sugar, it bakes into a delightful, slightly crisp, and sweet layer that perfectly complements the soft apple filling and tender crust.

The Finishing Touch: Cinnamon Glaze

A drizzle of homemade glaze, combining powdered sugar, a hint of ground cinnamon, and a splash of milk, adds a final layer of sweetness and spice. This glaze not only enhances the flavor but also gives the bars a beautiful, inviting sheen, making them even more appealing.

Expert Tips for Baking Perfect Apple Pie Bars

Even with an “easy” recipe, a few tips can ensure your apple pie bars turn out absolutely perfect every time:

• Chop the Apple Filling: Don’t skip the step of lightly chopping the apple pieces in the canned filling. This prevents large chunks and ensures a smoother, more consistent texture in every bite.
• Seal the Crust: When pressing the crescent dough into the pan, make sure to seal any seams thoroughly. This creates a solid base that holds the apple filling without leaks.
• Don’t Overbake the Crust: The initial 5-minute bake for the crescent dough is just to set it. You want it lightly golden, not fully cooked, as it will bake further with the topping.
• Even Crumb Distribution: When sprinkling the Bisquick and brown sugar mixture over the apples, try to distribute it as evenly as possible. This ensures every bar gets a delightful crumbly bite.
• Cool Completely: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling the glaze and cutting them into squares. This allows the filling to set properly, making for clean cuts and preventing a messy dessert.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: Start with 1 tablespoon of milk for the glaze and add more in tiny increments (half a teaspoon at a time) until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. You want it pourable but not too thin.
• Utilize Crescent Sheets: If available at your grocery store, opt for a tube of crescent dough sheet. This eliminates the need to pinch seams, making the crust even quicker to prepare.

Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Pie Bars

These Easy Apple Pie Bars are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

• Classic Ala Mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm bars and cold ice cream is heavenly.
• Whipped Cream Dream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle with a warm caramel sauce before serving.
• Morning Treat: They’re surprisingly delicious with a cup of coffee for a sweet breakfast or brunch item.
• Snack Time: Pack them for a delightful on-the-go snack or a special treat in a school lunch.

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Servings:

24
servings

EASY Apple Pie Bars

By
Jamie Sherman

These apple pie bars are ridiculously easy to make, calling for simple ingredients like crescent dough and canned apple pie filling. Perfect for a quick dessert that tastes like fall!

Prep:

15
mins

Cook:

30
mins

Total:

45
mins

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Ingredients

• 1
  tube
  crescent dough,
  8 oz. (look for crescent sheets for no seams!)
• 1
  can
  apple pie filling,
  21 oz.
• ½
  cup
  Bisquick
• ¼
  cup
  packed brown sugar
• 2
  tablespoons
  cold butter
• 4
  tablespoons
  powdered sugar
• ½
  teaspoon
  ground cinnamon
• 1 – 2
  tablespoons
  milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (175°C).
2. Unroll crescent rolls and press into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan, sealing any seams and covering the bottom of the pan completely. Bake for 5 minutes. This step helps create a sturdy base for your bars.
3. Meanwhile, place the apple pie filling in a medium bowl. Use a butter knife or a potato masher to gently chop up the larger apple pieces in the filling. This ensures a more consistent texture in the finished bars. Set aside.
4. In a separate small bowl, combine the Bisquick and packed brown sugar. Add the cold butter and cut it in using a fork or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will be your delicious streusel topping.
5. Once the crescent dough has had its initial bake, spread the chopped apple pie filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Then, crumble the Bisquick, brown sugar, and butter mixture evenly over the top of the apple filling.
6. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding. Cooling is crucial for the bars to set properly.
7. While the bars cool, prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk, a tiny bit at a time, if needed to achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bars.
8. To serve, cut the cooled, glazed bars into individual squares. Enjoy!

Notes

• For even easier prep, look for a tube of crescent dough sheet. This will mean no seams to pinch closed!
• Ensure bars are completely cooled before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
• Store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories:
91
kcal


Carbohydrates:
15
g


Protein:
1
g


Fat:
3
g


Saturated Fat:
2
g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g


Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g


Trans Fat:
0.04
g


Cholesterol:
3
mg


Sodium:
126
mg


Potassium:
20
mg


Fiber:
0.3
g


Sugar:
8
g


Vitamin A:
36
IU


Vitamin C:
0.4
mg


Calcium:
9
mg


Iron:
0.3
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Other Delicious Apple & Dessert Recipes You May Enjoy

If you loved these Easy Apple Pie Bars, you might enjoy exploring some of our other favorite dessert recipes:

• Easy Apple Cake – Only 3 Ingredients!
• No-Bake Apple Cheesecake
• Apple Pie Fudge
• Southern-Style Fried Apples
• Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

These Easy Apple Pie Bars truly prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a truly memorable dessert. They’re a testament to the fact that simplicity can lead to incredible flavor and undeniable satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a fantastic way to bring the comforting taste of autumn to your table. Give them a try, and prepare to be delighted by their ease and deliciousness!

Originally published on October 7, 2012. Updated on April 21, 2021.