There’s something irresistible about the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. That first bite of a warm, perfectly spiced Vegan Apple Pie Bar – where the flaky crust meets tender, caramelized apples – is pure autumn magic in dessert form. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to commit to a whole pie to get that experience.
These bars deliver all the comfort of traditional apple pie with half the fuss and twice the portability.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes these Vegan Apple Pie Bars truly special is how they transform a classic dessert into something more accessible without sacrificing any flavor. The genius lies in the format – all the layers and textures of apple pie, but in a convenient, sliceable bar that you can enjoy without plates or forks. Unlike traditional pie, these bars feature a slightly sturdier crust that holds up beautifully when cut, making them perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or simply enjoying with your fingers while curled up with a good book.
The filling achieves that perfect balance – tender apples with just enough structure to prevent sogginess, all while remaining completely plant-based. Best of all, this recipe is surprisingly forgiving for bakers of all levels. The press-in crust eliminates rolling pin anxiety, and the straightforward filling comes together in minutes.
You’ll end up with a dessert that looks impressive but required far less precision than a traditional pie.
Equipment needed: 9×13 baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, measuring cups, measuring spoons, knife, cutting board
Vegan Apple Pie Bar
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold vegan butter cubed (such as Earth Balance)
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- For the Apple Filling:
- 5-6 medium apples preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of cloves
- For the Crumble Topping Optional:
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup melted vegan butter
Instructions
- Prepare your baking pan by lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the crust by combining flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold vegan butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the cold water and mix until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create a smooth, even surface. Prick the crust all over with a fork and bake for 15 minutes until just beginning to turn golden.
- Prepare the apple filling while the crust is baking. Combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and spices in a large bowl, tossing gently until all slices are evenly coated.
- Make the crumble topping (if using) by combining oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Pour in melted vegan butter and stir until everything is moistened and clumps form.
- Arrange the spiced apple slices in an even layer on the par-baked crust, slightly overlapping them for even baking. Pour any remaining juices from the bowl over the apples.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples if using. If not using the crumble, consider sprinkling the top with a little extra cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden brown. If the edges start browning too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang and cutting into bars. This cooling time is essential for the filling to set properly.
Notes
- For the best texture and flavor, use a mix of apple varieties – tart Granny Smith apples hold their shape well while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala add depth of flavor.
- The bars will keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- To enhance the caramel notes, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the apple filling.
- For a firmer filling, let the apple mixture sit for 10 minutes before arranging on the crust, then drain off excess liquid (which you can reduce in a small saucepan to drizzle over the finished bars).
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per bar
- Fat: 12g (mostly from vegan butter)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Allergens: Contains wheat/gluten. Check vegan butter ingredients for potential soy or nut allergens.
- Diet suitability: Vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free (with appropriate vegan butter)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Slicing apples too thick – thin, uniform slices (about 1/8 inch) ensure they’ll cook evenly and become tender.
- Skipping the cooling time – cutting the bars while warm will result in a messy filling that hasn’t properly set.
- Overworking the crust dough – mix just until combined to ensure a tender, flaky base.
- Using warm vegan butter in the crust – cold butter creates those essential pockets of steam that make the crust flaky.
- Forgetting the cornstarch – this thickening agent is crucial for preventing a watery filling that could make your crust soggy.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Sugar alternatives: Replace refined sugar with coconut sugar or date sugar for a less processed option. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.
- Fruit variations: Substitute up to half the apples with pears for a different flavor profile, or add 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries for tartness.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust and certified gluten-free oats for the crumble.
- Oil substitution: If you don’t have vegan butter, coconut oil can work in a pinch, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
- Spice alternatives: Pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice can replace the individual spices if that’s what you have on hand.
FAQs
Can I make these Vegan Apple Pie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars actually benefit from being made a day ahead, as the flavors have time to meld and the filling sets perfectly. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Why did my crust turn out tough?
Overworking the dough is the most common culprit for a tough crust. Mix the ingredients just until they come together, and avoid kneading or excessive handling. Using cold vegan butter and water also helps create a more tender texture.
Can I use store-bought apple pie filling to save time?
While you could use canned filling in a pinch, the homemade version is significantly more flavorful and allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels. Most store-bought fillings also aren’t vegan, so check ingredients carefully.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for three signs: the edges should be golden brown, the filling should be visibly bubbling (especially around the edges), and if you gently shake the pan, the center should not appear liquid or overly jiggly.
Can I make these without the crumble topping?
Definitely! These bars are delicious even without the crumble. For a simple alternative, brush the apple layer with a bit of plant milk and sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking.
Final Thoughts
These Vegan Apple Pie Bars bring together everything we love about traditional apple pie while being kinder to animals and our planet. They’re the perfect entry point for anyone curious about vegan baking – proof that plant-based desserts can be just as comforting and delicious as their conventional counterparts. Whether shared at a fall gathering or enjoyed as a special treat just for yourself, these bars capture the essence of the season in each delectable bite.
