Easy Apple Pie Bars with a Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust

Imagine enjoying all the cozy flavors of the fall season in a bite-size portable way. That’s where these apple pie bars come in.

These handheld treats deliver tender cinnamon-spiced fruit filling and a buttery base in every bite, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or casual snacking.

What sets this recipe apart is its clever twist: a press-in chocolate chip cookie base that replaces traditional pastry.

In addition, you’ll skip complicated techniques while still creating a dessert that feels special.

So, what do you say we get this party started?

Key Takeaways

• Simplified alternative to traditional pie with identical flavors.
• Makes 16 servings for easy crowd-sharing.
• Press-in cookie crust eliminates dough-rolling challenges.
• Chocolate chip twist adds modern flair to classic taste.
• Requires no advanced baking skills or special equipment.

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🍎 Apple Pie Bars with Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust

Here’s an easy-to-follow recipe for Apple Pie Bars with Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust.

A perfect fall dessert that combines warm spiced apples with a sweet, chewy cookie base.

Ingredients

Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups (270 g) semisweet chocolate chips

Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 4 cups / 480 g)
• 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp pure lemon juice

Topping:

• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 g) rolled oats
• ⅓ cup (70 g) packed brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Cookie Crust
   • In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture until just combined.
   • Fold in chocolate chips.
   • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan as the crust.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
   • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
   • Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples soften slightly and mixture thickens.
   • Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cookie crust.
4. Make the Crumble Topping
   • In a small bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
   • Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
5. Bake
   • Bake for 35–40 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are bubbling.
6. Cool & Serve
   • Let bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper.
   • Cut into squares or bars.

Serving Suggestion

• Drizzle with caramel sauce.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

Take your dessert squares to new heights by experimenting with flavor combinations and presentation styles.

These ideas let you customize every layer while keeping the recipe approachable for home bakers.

Mix & Match Fruit Foundations

Combine sweet and tart varieties for balanced filling.

Jazz or Honeycrisp add caramel-like notes, while Granny Smith provides tangy contrast.

Try this blend for optimal texture:

Sweet Types	Tart Types	Texture Impact
Pink Lady	Braeburn	Firm slices
Fuji	Pacific Rose	Jammy consistency

Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to prevent browning. For thicker filling, swap flour with 1 tablespoon cornstarch.

Signature Finishes That Wow

Drizzle warm salted caramel over cooled squares—its rich, buttery flavor complements cinnamon perfectly. Make it by simmering 1 cup sugar with 6 tablespoons butter until amber-colored. Other crowd-pleasing options:

• Vanilla glaze: Mix powdered sugar with milk
• Cream cheese frosting: Blend 4oz cheese with ½ cup butter
• Crunchy streusel: Combine oats, brown sugar, and chopped nuts

Serve slightly warmed with ice cream for contrast. Freeze extras between parchment layers for grab-and-go treats.

Classic Flavors Rediscovered

Now that you’ve discovered a smarter way to enjoy classic flavors, this recipe offers lasting convenience.

The handheld format means no messy slicing, just grab and go. With up to 16 servings per batch, you’re set for book clubs, school events, or holiday parties.

Store leftovers in airtight containers for four days refrigerated or three months frozen.

Serve them chilled for a crisp texture, slightly warmed for cozy vibes, or at room temperature for picnics.

The chocolate-studded crust keeps its satisfying crunch through every storage method, making these treats as practical as they are delicious.

Whether you’re prepping desserts ahead or feeding a crowd, this approach lets you focus on what matters: sharing memorable moments over homemade goodness.

One batch adapts to any occasion, proving that great flavor doesn’t require complicated steps.

FAQ

Can I substitute the chocolate chip cookie crust with another base?

Absolutely! While the cookie crust adds a sweet, buttery flavor, you can swap it for graham crackers, shortbread, or even a traditional pie dough. Just ensure the texture remains crumbly yet firm after baking.

What type of apples work best for the filling?

Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well during baking. For a sweeter twist, try mixing in Fuji or Pink Lady apples. Balancing flavors ensures a rich, layered taste.

How do I store leftovers to keep them fresh?

Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them for 5–7 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to revive the crust’s crispness.

Can I freeze these for later?

Yes! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven before serving.

What’s a good substitute for lemon juice in the filling?

If you don’t have lemon juice, apple cider vinegar or orange juice work well. The goal is to add a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness without overpowering the spices.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Pre-bake the crust for 10–12 minutes before adding the filling. This creates a barrier and helps maintain that golden, crisp texture even after layering the juicy fruit mixture.

Can I add nuts or oats to the topping?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or rolled oats mixed into the crumble topping add crunch and depth. Toast nuts lightly first for extra flavor.