Description
These Simple Whole Wheat Apple Pie Bars are a fantastic alternative to traditional apple pie. By using whole wheat flour for the crust and crumble topping, these bars are a bit more wholesome and provide a nuttier flavor. The filling is made from fresh, juicy apples, sweetened naturally with maple syrup, and spiced with cinnamon for that comforting pie flavor. The bars are easy to prepare, and the result is a delightful dessert or snack that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family!
Ingredients
For the Crust & Crumble Topping:
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for vegan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
3 medium apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 ½ cups)
1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or ginger
Instructions
1. Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust & Crumble
In a large bowl, mix together whole wheat flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Stir in melted butter and vanilla until the mixture looks crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Reserve about ¾ cup of the mixture for the topping.
Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
3. Make the Apple Filling
In another bowl, combine chopped apples, flour, maple syrup (or sugar), cinnamon, and lemon juice.
Toss well to coat evenly.
4. Assemble
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top.
5. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden and apples are tender.
Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180
Keywords: Simple Apple Pie Bars, Easy Apple Pie Bars, Whole Wheat Apple Bars, Healthy Apple Pie Bars
