Easy Vegan Apple Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both comforting and fun to make, you’re in for a treat. This Easy Vegan Apple Pie Bars Recipe brings all the classic apple pie flavors into a simple bar form that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself, I won’t judge!). I’ve made these bars countless times, and they’re always a hit whether it’s for a cozy night in or an impromptu gathering. Let me walk you through the magic behind these bars, so you’ll get the best results every time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here isn’t just a random pick — they come together thoughtfully to create that perfect apple pie bar harmony. I’ve learned that choosing the right apples and balancing the spices really makes or breaks the filling, while the oat streusel adds that nostalgic, buttery crunch without dairy.

• Granny Smith apples: Tartness cuts through the sweetness and holds shape when cooked, avoiding mushy filling.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth, plus that rich caramel note that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
• Cinnamon: Classic spice that brings apple desserts alive, and you can add more if you’re a fan!
• Lemon juice: Enhances brightness and keeps apples from browning during prep.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to creamy perfection so it doesn’t run all over the pan.
• Neutral oil: For coating your baking dish, ensuring bars won’t stick without adding flavor.
• Vegan pie crusts: You can use store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra love; either works beautifully.
• Rolled oats: Heartier topping with texture and fiber, making every bite satisfyingly crunchy.
• All-purpose flour: Helps bind the streusel topping along with oats and sugar.
• Vegan butter (cold & diced): The secret to creating rich, crumbly streusel that melts in your mouth.

Make It Your Way

This recipe really shines when you make it your own. I often switch up the spices or try different apples depending on the season. You could even add a splash of vanilla or a handful of chopped nuts to the streusel for a twist. Don’t hesitate to experiment — that’s part of the fun!

• Use different apple varieties: I once mixed Granny Smith with Honeycrisp for a sweeter, juicier bite that balanced tartness beautifully.
• Gluten-free option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend — just be sure your vegan pie crust is GF too.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg or allspice to the filling if you want a deeper fall spice aroma.
• Make it mini: Try creating individual bars in muffin tins for parties or kid-friendly servings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Vegan Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Apples Gently

Start by combining thinly sliced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, fresh lemon juice, cornstarch, and some water in a large pot. When mixing, be gentle so the apples don’t break apart too much — you want nice slices to bite into later. Cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. This softens the apples just enough. Then add the rest of the water, stir gently, and cook low and slow for another 5 minutes, stirring from the bottom to avoid burning. You’ll notice the filling turn creamy and thick, which is exactly what you want.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Crust

While the apple filling cools, lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep the crust from sticking. Lay down your first vegan pie crust, trimming any excess dough (don’t toss those scraps yet – you’ll use them later!). This base layer is the foundation, so gently press it down but don’t stretch it out too thin.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and that chilled vegan butter diced into small bits. Use your hands (my favorite way) to mix everything until it clumps together in a crumbly dough. This tactile step is so satisfying and helps you gauge if the topping is the right consistency.

Step 4: Assemble Your Apple Pie Bars

Spread the cooled apple filling in an even layer over the bottom crust. Then, place your second pie dough sheet on top, again trimming the edges. Cut the leftover dough into dice-sized pieces and mix them into your streusel topping. Spread this evenly on top so every bite has that crunchy, buttery finish.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pop the whole pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for about 35 minutes until the topping is golden and irresistibly fragrant. This is when your kitchen smells like autumn magic. When you pull it out, let it cool completely—and then stash it in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight. Cooling helps the filling set so you can slice perfect bars without a sticky mess.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bars with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of coconut whipped cream. Sometimes, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a lovely crunch and nuttiness that complements the apples really well. If you want to keep it simple, a dusting of powdered sugar does the trick too — it makes the bars look extra pretty and festive.

Side Dishes

These bars are delightful on their own, but if you’re serving them at a brunch or party, a side of spiced chai tea or apple cider really elevates the experience. For something heartier, I’ve paired them with a vegan caramel sauce drizzle and roasted nuts to make it feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve cut these bars into mini squares and placed each one in a pretty cupcake liner, adding a cinnamon stick stirrer. It’s a fun way to jazz up the presentation and makes it super easy for guests to grab a bite. I’ve also tried layering them in clear dessert jars with vegan whipped cream for a grab-and-go apple pie parfait vibe — a real crowd favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer bars to an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep well for up to 4 days, maintaining that perfect balance of tender apple filling and crunchy topping. Plus, the flavors actually seem to deepen after a day or two in the fridge — bonus!

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover bars successfully by wrapping individual slices in parchment paper and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Freezing helps have a stash of these delicious bars on hand, perfect for unexpected guests or sweet cravings.

Reheating

To revive the bars after refrigeration or freezing, I gently warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This reheating keeps the crust crisp while warming the filling just right — none of that soggy texture that sometimes happens with microwave reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Vegan Apple Pie Bars Recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — comforting, reliable, and just the right amount of sweet and spiced. I’m so glad I have it in my recipe rotation because it never fails to impress friends and family, even those who aren’t vegan. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it turns out or what personal twists you add. Trust me, once you make these bars, they’ll become your go-to for all those moments when you want apple pie flavor without fuss.

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