No-Bake Apple Pie Bars

No-Bake Apple Pie Bars are a quick and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of apple pie without turning on the oven! With a buttery graham cracker crust, a spiced apple filling, and a creamy topping, these bars are perfect for an easy fall dessert or a make-ahead treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required – Perfect for warm weather or when you need a quick dessert.
• Tastes like classic apple pie – Packed with cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery crust.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal effort.
• Great for meal prep – Stores well for a few days, making it perfect for make-ahead desserts.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

• Graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
• Melted butter
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon

For the Apple Filling:

• Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Butter

For the Topping (Optional):

• Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
• Caramel sauce
• Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Directions

Prepare the Crust:

1. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
2. Press the mixture firmly into a lined 8×8-inch pan. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

Make the Apple Filling:

3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples are soft. Stir in cornstarch and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
5. Let the mixture cool slightly, then spread over the chilled crust.

Assemble & Chill:

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
7. Once set, cut into bars and top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or nuts.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 9 bars
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Chill time: 2 hours
• Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
• Dairy-free version – Swap butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free whipped topping.
• Extra crunch – Add chopped nuts or granola to the crust.
• Sweeter version – Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the bars.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze bars without toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

What are the best apples for this recipe?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work best because they hold their texture and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes! A shortbread crust or oatmeal crust would also work well.

How do I make these bars firmer?

Refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or add more butter to the crust for a firmer texture.

Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?

Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-made apple pie filling is a great shortcut.

Do these bars need to be served cold?

They taste best chilled, but you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Can I add oats to the crust?

Yes! Mixing oats with the graham crackers will give a more textured crust.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes! Simply skip the nut toppings or use seeds like sunflower seeds for crunch.

What can I serve with these bars?

Try serving them with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

How do I prevent the crust from crumbling?

Make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan and refrigerate it before adding the filling.

Can I add raisins or cranberries?

Yes! Mixing in dried fruit adds extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

No-Bake Apple Pie Bars are the perfect way to enjoy apple pie flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for an easy fall dessert, a make-ahead treat, or a quick no-bake recipe, these bars are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dessert!

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