Glazed Apple Pie Bars

These Glazed Apple Pie Bars have a buttery crust, sweet apple pie filling and a simple vanilla glaze drizzled over the top. They’re an easy way to enjoy all the cozy flavors of apple pie and make a big batch for fall gatherings, potlucks or holiday dessert trays.

this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Fall Dessert

• Easy apple pie shortcut: Canned apple pie filling keeps the prep simple without sacrificing that classic apple pie flavor.
• Perfect for a crowd: One pan makes up to 60 small bars, making them great for potlucks, parties and holiday gatherings.
• Buttery and sweet: A soft buttery crust, apple filling and vanilla glaze make every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cans (540ml each) apple pie filling
• GLAZE:
• 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

Step By Step Instructions

STEP ONE – Grease a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Preheat oven to 350°F. 

STEP TWO – In a large mixing bowl, or bowl from stand mixer, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar and salt for 5 to 7 minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture should be light and lemon-colored.

I recommend using a stand mixer or any type of electric mixer of this recipe. The butter and sugar need to be creamed for 5 to 7 minutes in the first step of the recipe which would be tiring for hand mixing. Keep in mind that if you decide to make it by hand, you need to mix the butter and sugar for about 12 minutes!

STEP THREE – Next, add in the eggs, one a time beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.

STEP FOUR – Gradually add in the all purpose flour, one cup at a time, stirring just until combined.

STEP FIVE – Remove 3 cups of the dough and spread in prepared baking pan. (My pan was a bit larger and I didn’t go all the way to the edges). It’s easy to press down gently with clean hands to spread out the dough evenly.

STEP SIX – Top with both cans of apple pie filling, leaving about 1 and ½-inches around the edge.

STEP SEVEN – Drop the remaining dough by teaspoonfuls over the apple pie filling. A small cookie scoop works great! 

STEP EIGHT – Bake in 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until light golden brown.

STEP NINE – Cool completely in pan on wire cooling rack.

STEP TEN – For Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract and enough milk to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over top of cooled bars.