Warm and Spiced Apple Bars – A Cozy Homemade Treat

Step 2: Make the Crust & Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture begins to clump together.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.
Evenly spread the apple filling over the crust.
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples to create a crumbly topping.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

💡 Tip: The bars will firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut!

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

These warm and spiced apple bars are delicious on their own, but you can also:

Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream 🍨
Drizzle with caramel sauce 🍯
Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch

🍽️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back the fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Freeze for up to 3 months by wrapping slices in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Warm and Spiced Apple Bars are the perfect homemade dessert when you’re craving something cozy and comforting. With their buttery crust, gooey spiced apple filling, and crunchy topping, they bring together all the best flavors of a homemade apple pie—but in an easy, handheld bar form!

Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out. Happy baking! 🍏🍂💕