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!

Delicious Apple Pie Bars: A Sweet Slice of Autumn

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! If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavors of a classic apple pie but prefer a more convenient and portable treat, you’re in for a treat.

Our apple crumb bars are a delightful fusion of sweet, spiced apples and a nutty, crumbly crust. 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. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to satisfy your healthy dessert cravings.

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.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust and Topping:

• Sliced Almonds and Coconut Flakes: These ingredients add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the crust and topping. If you’re not grain-free, you can sub these with gluten-free rolled oats.
• Almond Flour: Almond flour provides a rich, buttery texture while keeping these bars gluten-free. You can also sub with gluten-free oat flour or gluten-free 1-1 baking flour.
• Arrowroot or Tapioca Flour: These flours help bind the crust and topping, creating a perfect, crumbly consistency.
• Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free option, coconut oil adds moisture and a subtle coconut aroma. Vegan butter or ghee can also be used.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the apple filling with its rich, caramel-like sweetness. You can also sub allulose, sugar-free maple syrup or any other liquid sweetener.
• Coconut Sugar: This brown sugar substitute enhances the overall flavor and sweetness. You can also sub with any other brown sugar substitute.
• Vanilla: A touch of vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the crust and topping.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the crust rise and become tender.

For the Filling:

• Apples: A mix of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples brings a blend of sweet and tart flavors, ideal for apple pie.
• Maple Syrup: This sweetener infuses the apples with sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.
• Apple Pie Spice: A carefully crafted blend of spices that gives the filling its signature apple pie taste. 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.
• Arrowroot or Tapioca Flour: These flours thicken the filling, ensuring it’s not too runny.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a layer of complexity to the apple filling.

Optional:

Paleo caramel sauce: For topping.

Instructions: How to make Apple Pie Bars

• Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang.
• Make the Filling: In a medium pot, combine the chopped apples, apple pie spice, maple syrup, arrowroot (or tapioca flour), and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens and the apples soften. Chill this filling in the fridge until ready to use.
• Create the Crust and Topping: Prepare the crust and topping by chopping the coconut flakes or sliced almonds until they resemble quick oats. Alternatively, use a food processor to pulse them. Transfer this mixture to a large bowl and whisk in the almond flour, sugars, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the coconut oil (or alternative) until you achieve coarse crumbs.
• Press and Bake: Press a little more than half of the crust mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 12 minutes. Afterward, let it cool for 5 minutes.
• Layer and Bake Again: Spread the chilled fruit mixture evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
• Cool and Enjoy: Allow your apple pie bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider drizzling paleo caramel sauce on top.

Tips for Success:

• Choose Your Apples Wisely: Mixing different apple varieties adds complexity to the flavor. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith are excellent choices.
• Thicken Your Filling: The arrowroot or tapioca flour in the filling prevents it from becoming too watery, ensuring that your bars hold their shape.

Serving Suggestions:

These apple pie bars are delightful on their own, but you can take them to the next level by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They’re perfect for autumn picnics, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night by the fireplace.

Storage and Freezer Instructions:

Store your apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for several days.

To freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Apple Pie Bars:

Q1: Can I use regular butter instead of coconut oil?

A1: Absolutely! If you’re not following a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can substitute regular butter for coconut oil in equal amounts for the crust and topping.

Q2: What are the best apples to use for the filling?

A2: We recommend using a mix of Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith apples for a balanced blend of sweet and tart flavors in the filling. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties.

Q3: Can I make these bars in advance for a gathering?

A3: Yes, you can! These apple pie bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Q4: How can I make the caramel sauce?

A4: To make a paleo caramel sauce, combine coconut milk, coconut sugar, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer until it thickens and turns a caramel-like color. Drizzle this sauce over the bars for an extra special touch.

Q5: Are there any nut-free alternatives for the crust?

A5: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the almond flour with oat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, consider using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture.

Q6: How do I prevent the crust from becoming too crumbly?

A6: Make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan before baking. The coconut oil (or butter) will bind the ingredients, resulting in a cohesive crust that holds together well.

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further clarifications. Happy baking!

More healthy apple recipes you will love:

Apple Maple Baked Oatmeal with Berries

Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Caramel Apple Streusel French Toast Bake

More fruit crisp recipes you will love:

Peach Crisp

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp,

5 from 1 vote

Print

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. If you're not grain-free, you can also just use gluten-free quick oats or rolled oats.
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats. If you're not grain-free, you can also just use gluten-free quick oats or rolled oats.
• 1 2/3 cups almond flour , you can also sub with gluten-free oat flour or gluten-free 1-1 baking flour.
• 2 tbs arrowroot or tapioca flour
• 1/4 cup softened refined or butter flavored coconut oil , may also sub with vegan butter, ghee or unsalted butter if not dairy-free
• 1/4 cup maple syrup , (may sub with allulose, sugar-free maple syrup or other liquid sweetener of choice)
• 2 Tbs coconut sugar , (may also sub brown sugar or another brown sugar substitute such as Swerve or golden monk fruit sweetener)
• 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.

Recipe Notes

How to store:

Store your apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for several days.

How to freeze:

To freeze them, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Apple Pie Bars

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

Calories 227 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

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. 
   5 from 10 votes

   

   Print

   Cherry Pie Bars

   Prep Time

   15 mins

   Cook Time

   37 mins

   Total Time

   50 mins

    

   These Cherry Pie Bars are bursting with fruity goodness and wholesome ingredients featuring fresh mixed berries, juicy cherries, and a nourishing crumble topping. They make a delightful and healthy treat for summer birthday celebrations or any occasion. 

   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 - you can also sub with rolled oats or quick oats if not grain-free
   • 1/4 cup sliced almonds , roughly chopped OR pulsed 1-2 times until they resemble the texture of quick oats - you can also sub with rolled oats or quick oats if not grain-free
   • 1 2/3 cups superfine blanched almond flour , you can also sub with gluten-free fine oat flour if not grain-free (gluten-free (or regular) all purpose flour may work too but we have not tested it so the amount will vary)
   • 2 tbs arrowroot flour / starch or tapioca flour . (omit if using all purpose flour)
   • 1/4 cup softened refined or butter flavored coconut oil , you can also sub with vegan butter, ghee or unsalted butter if not dairy-free
   • 1/4 cup maple syrup , you can also sub with honey or preferred liquid sweetener of choice, such as Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup for lower sugar option
   • 2 Tbs coconut sugar , you can also sub with brown sugar or other brown sugar substitute such as Lakanto or Swerve for lower sugar option
   • 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 , if using frozen be sure to thaw, drain & pat dry first
   • 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries roughly chopped
   • 3 Tbsps maple syrup , you can also sub with honey or preferred liquid sweetener of choice, such as Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup for lower sugar option
   • 1 Tbs arrowroot flour / starch OR tapioca flour corn starch works too
   • 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.Spread fruit mixture evenly over crust.

      Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture over berry layer.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.