These Apple Pie Bars are healthy and made with natural ingredients. They’re topped off with a streusel topping for a delicious treat that will have you reaching for seconds! Celebrate all things fall with these simple vegan and gluten-free treats.

An apple pie bar on a piece of parchment paper with a bite taken out of it

There’s one word that comes to mind when I think of September: APPLES.

It’s apple season! Which means it’s time for all the delicious apple recipes. From chia pudding to cinnamon bread to salad, I love them all! These apple pie bars are no exception.

First off, this dessert is healthy than your average apple pie. These bars are made with ingredients like oats, almond flour and coconut sugar for a treat that is not overly sweet and can be made gluten-free.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • The mixture of oats and almond flour turns into the most delicious crumbly streusel topping.
  • The apple pie filling can be made with either homemade or store-bought apple sauce, both ways are delicious and using store-bought apple sauce will save you time in the kitchen!
  • These bars are super easy to throw together and perfect for bringing on the go or for dessert to a Fall dinner.
Apple pie bars cut up into squares on a white marble countertop

Making homemade apple sauce

If you want to use homemade applesauce for this recipe, place 4-6 peeled and chopped apples in a pot with about 1/3 cup of water, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and a sweetener if you like.

Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 30 minutes then blend until smooth.

How to make apple pie bars

Mix the apple pie crumble ingredients together in a bowl until combined, then pour 1/2 the mixture into an 8×8 baking pan. pressing down. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when you press it into the pan.

  • a mixing bowl with crumble mixture in it
  • an 8x8 inch pan with apple pie bars crumble mixture pressed down in it

Add the apple filling ingredients to a small pot and bring to a boil. Mix it on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken slightly.

Pour the apple filling mixture into the pan then use your fingers to crumble the remaining crumble mixture on top. Bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes. Let cool for at least an hour before cutting!

  • a clear mixing bowl filled with apple sauce and a spatula in it
  • unbaked apple pie bars in an 8x8 inch pan
  • apple pie bars cut into squares on a piece of parchment paper

Tips for making this recipe perfectly

  • If you are using homemade apple sauce that is already sweetened, leave out the coconut sugar in the apple pie filling.
  • Make sure to mix the cornstarch with the apple sauce BEFORE heating, otherwise, the cornstarch will form little clumps in the apple filling.
  • Even though it’s tempting to dig in right away, this recipe needs an hour to cool and set before cutting the bars, otherwise, they will fall apart easily.
  • Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe entirely gluten-free.
Apple pie bars cut into squares stacked on top of each other

More apple recipes to try

If you tried these Apple Pie Bars or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more deliciousness!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
apple pie bars cut into squares on a piece of parchment paper

Healthy Apple Pie Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 15 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

These bars are perfect for Apple season! They’re delicious and healthier than your average apple dessert!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Apple pie crumble 

Apple filling 

  • 4 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 cups unsweetened applesauce (store bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchement paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the apple pie crumble ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
  3. In a small saucepan, mix together the apple pie filling ingredients until combined, then bring to a boil on medium-high heat letting cook for 2-3 minutes, mixing often.
  4. Add a bit more than half of the crumble mixture to the bottom of the pan and press evenly with your fingers to completely coat the pan.
  5. Pour the apple pie filling into the pan spreading evenly.
  6. Use your fingers to sprinkle the remaining crumble topping ontop of the filling mixture.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown on top.
  8. Let cool for a minimum of 1 hour before serving so the bars can set.

Notes

If you are using homemade apple sauce that is already sweetened, leave out the coconut sugar in the apple pie filling.

Make sure to mix the cornstarch with the apple sauce before heating, otherwise, the cornstarch will form little clumps in the apple filling.

Even though it’s tempting to dig in right away, this recipe needs an hour to cool and set before cutting the bars, otherwise, they will fall apart easily.

These bars can be stored in an air-tight container on the countertop for 3 days. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 3mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g