Cinnamon-Apple Pie Bars with Vanilla Glaze

These easy Glazed Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery crust, plenty of apple pie filling, and a simple vanilla glaze that ties everything together. They’re a fuss-free fall dessert that’s ideal for family get-togethers, potlucks, or any time you want a comforting, shareable treat.

This recipe is similar to a slab pie but without the fuss of a double crust. The dough comes together quickly and using canned apple pie filling makes assembly fast and consistent. The recipe yields a large batch—about 60 small bars or 30 larger pieces—so it’s great when you need to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cans (about 540 ml each) apple pie filling
• For the glaze:
  • 1 and 1/2 cups powdered (confectioners’) sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (1%, 2% or whole milk all work)

How to Make Glazed Apple Pie Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan and set it aside.

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a stand mixer if possible — cream the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, until it’s light, fluffy and slightly pale in color. If you mix by hand, plan on a longer mixing time to reach the same texture.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing just until combined. The dough will be soft but easy to handle.

Reserve about 3 cups of dough. Press the reserved dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the bottom crust — use lightly floured or clean hands to press it into an even layer. If your pan is slightly larger, don’t worry if the dough doesn’t reach all the way to the edges.

Spoon both cans of apple pie filling over the crust, spreading to within about 1½ inches of the edges.

Break up the remaining dough and drop it by teaspoonfuls (or use a small cookie scoop) over the apple filling to create a rustic, scattered topping.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is light golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.

Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bars and let it set before cutting.

How to Serve

These bars are delicious warm or at room temperature. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-indulgent presentation. They also hold up well for transport, making them a convenient option for potlucks and parties.

Fall Desserts to Try Next

If you enjoy these glazed apple pie bars, try other seasonal favorites such as pumpkin bars, apple crisp, or pecan bars. Simple swaps in the filling or a streusel topping will let you tailor this slab-style approach to different autumn flavors.

If you try this recipe, feel free to leave a rating or comment where you found it. Brighten your gatherings this season with a pan of easy, crowd-pleasing glazed apple pie bars.