Gluten-Free Apple Pie Bars
These tender, buttery apple pie bars have a crisp golden crust, a warm cinnamon-apple filling, and a delicious crumbly topping.
They’re easier than making a traditional pie and perfect for fall baking, holidays, or an everyday sweet treat.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
Crust & Crumble
- 2 cups (240 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup (65 g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk or lemon juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
2. Make the crust mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the melted butter and vanilla.
Stir until a soft, crumbly dough forms.
3. Form the crust
Set aside approximately 1 cup of the mixture for the crumble topping.
Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.
Remove from the oven.
Make the Apple Filling
4. Prepare the apples
Place the sliced apples in a large bowl.
Add the brown sugar, gluten-free flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
5. Add the apples
Arrange the apple mixture evenly over the warm crust.
Spread them into a fairly even layer.
Add the Crumble
6. Top the bars
Take the reserved crust mixture and crumble it evenly over the apples.
Don’t press it down—the loose pieces will become beautifully golden and crisp as they bake.
7. Bake
Return the pan to the oven.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
The total baking time will be approximately 45–50 minutes including the initial crust bake.
8. Cool completely
Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely.
For cleaner slices, refrigerate them for 30–60 minutes after cooling.
9. Cut
Lift the bars out using the parchment paper.
Cut into 12 squares or bars with a sharp knife.
Optional Lemon Glaze
10. Make the glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth.
Drizzle over the completely cooled apple bars.
Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before serving.
Best Apples to Use
For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of sweet and tart apples.
Good choices include:
- Granny Smith
- Honeycrisp
- Pink Lady
- Braeburn
- Gala
Avoid very soft apples because they can turn mushy during baking.
Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Bars
Slice the apples thinly
Thin slices cook evenly and make the bars easier to cut.
Don’t skip the pre-bake
Pre-baking the crust helps keep the bottom firm rather than soggy.
Let them cool
The apple filling thickens as the bars cool. Cutting them while hot can cause the filling to run.
Check your flour
For a truly gluten-free dessert, make sure every packaged ingredient—including your flour, baking powder, and spices—is labeled gluten-free if cross-contact is a concern.
Caramel Apple Pie Bars
After baking and cooling, drizzle the bars with warm caramel sauce instead of the lemon glaze.
Add a small sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a salted-caramel version.
Nutty Apple Pie Bars
Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
The nuts become toasted and crunchy while the bars bake.
Storage
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Freezing
Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Best Finish
Serve these apple pie bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and crisp crumble topping make them taste like homemade apple pie in an easier, handheld form.
