Apple Pie Bars

These Apple Pie Bars are filled with a goey caramel apple pie filling and topped with a buttery grain-free shortbread crumble topping. They have all the flavors of a homemade apple pie but are so much easier to make! Plus they are also completely gluten-free, grain free and refined-sugar free and make the perfect healthy snack or dessert for summer and fall!

Paleo Apple Pie Bars

Craving apple pie but don’t feel like making a whole pie crust from scratch? These healthy apple pie bars are our favorite once apple season arrives! They have all the flavors of a classic apple pie without the hassle of rolling out pie dough! Plus, they are made with better for you whole ingredients and are completely grain-free, gluten-free, refined-sugar free and paleo-friendly.

And if you’re not an apple fan or don’t want to wait until October or November for apple season, you can also try our raspberry crumb bars, blueberry crumb bars, cherry pie bars, peach bars or pear bars.

Why we love this vegan apple pie recipe:

These Apple Pie Bar are incredibly irresistible and make the perfect healthy dessert. Not only are these apple crumb bars easily customize-able, but the best part is that they are made from scratch by using whatever type of summer fruit you have on hand. As soon as apples are in season, we cannot resist buying them by the boat load to make all sorts of apple streusel bars. Even my husband says he would love to have these all year long!

All you need are just a few simple pantry ingredients. The portable size also make them perfect to bring along to your next Memorial Day barbecue, Fourth of July, Labour Day potluck or any summer or fall party.

Ingredients you need for apple crumb bars:

For the gluten-free and paleo crumb mixture:

• Almond Flour: You can use superfine blanched almond flour or almond meal. Almond flour is the main nut flour providing most of the bulk. Measure properly using the spoon and level method.
• Coconut sugar and maple syrup: we use a combination of both of these unrefined sweeteners to make them extra flavourful and delicious. You can also sub with any other liquid sweetener or brown sugar substitute if you don’t have these on hand.
• Baking powder: the leavener we use to help the crust rise slightly
• Salt: to balance out the sweetness and add flavor
• Coconut oil: you want the texture like softened butter. Use refined if you want to avoid any coconut flavor or use vegan butter. You can also us ghee or butter if not dairy-free.
• Lemon zest: to balance everything out.

For The Gooey Apple Pie Filling

• Fresh apples: we like to use some a mix of sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala along with some tart apples like Granny Smith. Be sure to cut them into small chunks
• Maple syrup: to add sweetness but you can also sub with coconut sugar, or Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetener for low carb bars
• Arrowroot or tapioca starch (sub with xanthan gum or flaxseed meal for gluten free apple squares)
• apple pie spice – if you don’t have apple pie spice, you can make your own by mixing: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon with 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/16 teaspoon ground allspice
• Vanilla extract

OPTIONAL:

Paleo caramel sauce – for topping

How to Make Apple Pie Bars

This apple crumb bar recipe is easy to customize and makes the perfect summer dessert for barbecues, picnics and to enjoy any time that apple pie craving hits.

1. PREHEAT OVEN: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang.
2. MAKE THE APPLE PIE FILLING:: In a medium pot over medium heat, add apples, apple pie spice, maple syrup, arrowroot & vanilla & bring to a boil. Reduce heat & cook for 3-5 minutes, or until mixture is thickened and apples are slightly softened. Chill in fridge until ready to use.
3. MAKE THE SHORTBREAD CRUST AND CRUMBLE TOPPING: In a large mixing bowl, combine, flours, sweeteners, vanilla, salt & baking soda. Stir in chopped almonds & coconut flakes.
4. ADD FRUIT FILLNG: Spread fruit mixture evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over berry layer.
5. BAKE in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
6. OPTIONAL: Drizzle paleo caramel sauce for topping.

How To Store The Leftovers

To store these apple bars, just simply transfer them to a reusable storage container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave and coat with your favorite nut butter or just allow them to come to room temperature.

Can I freeze these apple pie bars?

Yes! These apple crumb bars are perfectly freezer-friendly. Arrange the apple pie bars in a single layer inside a reusable storage container or bag. Store these apple squares in the freezer for up to six months. When ready to eat, allow the apple bars to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

More apple recipes:

Apple Maple Baked Oatmeal with Berries

Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Caramel Apple Streusel French Toast Bake

More fruit recipes:

Peach Crisp

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp,

5 from 1 vote

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Apple Pie Bars

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

47 mins

Total Time

1 hr 7 mins

 

These Apple Pie Bars are filled with a goey caramel apple pie filling and topped with a buttery grain-free shortbread crumble topping. They have all the flavors of a homemade apple pie but are so much easier to make! Plus they are also completely gluten-free, grain free and refined-sugar free and make the perfect healthy snack or dessert for summer and fall!

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple dessert recipes, apple pie bars, paleo apple pie bars

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 227 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

FOR THE CRUST AND TOPPING:

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats
• 1 2/3 cups almond flour
• 2 tbs arrowroot or tapioca flour
• 1/4 cup softened refined or butter flavored coconut oil may sub with vegan butter or ghee if not dairy-free
• 1/4 cup maple syrup , (may sub other liquid sweetener)
• 2 Tbs coconut sugar , (may sub other brown sugar substitute)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/3 tsp baking soda

FOR THE FILLING:

• 3 apples , chopped (we like to use a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala and Granny Smith)
• 3 Tbsps maple syrup , (may sub other liquid sweetener)
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1 Tbs arrowroot OR tapioca flour
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

OPTIONAL:

• paleo caramel sauce , for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang.

2. Make the filling:

   In a medium pot over medium heat, add apples, apple pie spice, maple syrup, arrowroot & vanilla & bring to a boil. Reduce heat & cook for 3-5 minutes, or until mixture is thickened and apples are slightly softened. Chill in fridge until ready to use.

   

3. Make the crust and topping:

   Chop your coconut flakes or sliced almond until they resemble the texture of quick oats or alternatively, you can add them to the bowl of a food processor and pulse 1-2 times, until still crumbly. 

   Transfer to a large bowl and whisk in the almond flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. With a fork, pastry cutter, or using your clean hands, cut butter into flour mixture together until it resembles coarse crumbs.

   

4. Press a little more than half of the crust mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven & allow to cool for 5 minutes.

   
5. Spread fruit mixture evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over berry layer.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares or enjoy straight. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

   OPTIONAL: Drizzle paleo caramel sauce for topping.

   

Nutrition Facts

Apple Pie Bars

Amount Per Serving (1 bar (1/12 recipe))

Calories 227 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Carbohydrates 22g7%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 14g16%

Protein 4g8%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

1. 
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   Print

   Cherry Pie Bars

   Prep Time

   15 mins

   Cook Time

   37 mins

   Total Time

   50 mins

    

   These cherry pie bars are filled with a sweet and juicy cherry filling and topped with a buttery grain-free shortbread crumble topping. They are made with simple pantry-friendly ingredients and make the perfect healthy snack or dessert for summer. These paleo bars are also completely gluten-free, grain free and refined-sugar free.

   Course: Dessert

   Cuisine: American

   Keyword: cherry bars, cherry dessert, cherry pie, cherry pie bars, gluten free bars, grain-free bars, paleo

   Servings: 12 bars

   Calories: 169 kcal

   Author: Kelly

   Ingredients

   FOR THE CRUST AND TOPPING:

   • 1/4 cup coconut flakes , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats
   • 1/4 cup sliced almonds , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats
   • 1 2/3 cups almond flour
   • 2 tbs arrowroot or tapioca flour
   • 1/4 cup softened refined or butter flavored coconut oil can sub with vegan butter or ghee if not dairy-free
   • 1/4 cup maple syrup , (may sub other liquid sweetener)
   • 2 Tbs coconut sugar , (may sub other brown sugar substitute)
   • 1 tsp vanilla
   • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
   • 1/3 tsp baking soda

   FOR THE FILLING:

   • 2 1/2 cups fresh mixed berries or frozen - thaw, drain & pat dry first
   • 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries , roughly chopped
   • 3 Tbsps maple syrup , (may sub other liquid sweetener)
   • 1 Tbs arrowroot OR tapioca flour
   • 1/2 tsp lemon juice

   Instructions

   1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang.

   2. Make the filling:

      In a medium pot over medium heat, add fruit, maple syrup, arrowroot & lemon juice & bring to a boil, while smashing & stirring with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat & cook for 3-5 minutes, or until mixture is thickened. Chill in fridge until ready to use.

   3. Make the crust and topping:

      In a large mixing bowl, combine, flours, sweeteners, vanilla, salt & baking soda. Stir in chopped almonds & coconut flakes. Press a little more than half of the crust mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 12 minutes. Remove from oven & allow to cool for 5 minutes.

   4. Spread fruit mixture evenly over crust. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over berry layer.

   5. Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares or enjoy straight. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

   Recipe Notes

   **Optional - adding 1/4 cup chopped pecans, walnuts or sliced almonds to the crust would add a nice crunch if desired

   Nutrition Facts

   Cherry Pie Bars

   Amount Per Serving (1 bar)

   Calories 169 Calories from Fat 99

   % Daily Value*

   Fat 11g17%

   Carbohydrates 16g5%

   Fiber 3g12%

   Sugar 10g11%

   Protein 3g6%

   * Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.