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Indulge in something a little sweet with these Healthy Apple Pie Bars. Made with an almond butter crumble, ripe honeycrisp apples, and a delicious glaze, these bars are the perfect autumn-inspired treat!
Indulge in something sweet
It’s no secret – I am all about “bar” recipes. My recipe index is filled with every flavor you could possibly imagine, like key lime pie, cookie dough, pecan pie, lemon, and chocolate peanut butter, to name a few. Basically, if you can think of the flavor, I’ve probably created a bar recipe for that.
I just love that they’re so easy to make, and that they serve as great grab-and-go treats. They’re kind of the same concept as brownies, but with way more intense, unique flavors!
After scanning through all of the variations I’ve created in the past, I realized there was one flavor in particular that was missing: apple pie! How could I have overlooked such a staple flavor?
I decided to jump right in, and the rest is history. These healthy apple pie bars are made using healthier, whole ingredients and make the perfect addition to the line up. They’re chewy, sweet, and can be customized exactly to your liking!
Ingredients used in this easy apple pie recipe
Healthy apple pie bars consist of three sets of ingredients: the base and crumble, the apple layer, and the glaze topping! Each part uses healthy, whole ingredients to achieve the delicious flavors, but we’ll get more into that in a minute.
Base + Crumble Topping:
- Almond butter (natural)
- Coconut oil
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla
- Almond flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
Apple Layer:
- Apples (Peeled, cored, and diced; I use honey crisp)
- Lemon juice
- Coconut oil
- Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Powdered Sugar Glaze:
- Powdered sugar
- Almond milk
Tools need to make this recipe
To create this recipe, you’ll need a number of kitchen tools. Below is a complete list that you can use as a guide before you begin cooking – just gather and go!
- Baking pan (I used an 8×8, but any size will work; just adjust your cooking time accordingly)
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Stirring utensil
- Sauce pan
- Whisk
For measuring, you will need the following sizes: 1/8 tsp, 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.
How to make healthy apple pie bars
Healthy apple pie bars are made in a series of steps that begin with making the almond butter base and crumble topping, followed by the apple pie “filling” and the glaze.
To begin making your healthy apple pie bars, preheat the oven to 350F and line an 8×8 baking pan with nonstick spray or parchment paper.
Then, in a small bowl, mix the almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla until well combined.
In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and then stir until fully mixed.
Press 2/3 of the almond butter dough into the bottom of the pan until evenly spread. Set aside the other 1/3 of the dough.
In a saucepan, heat the lemon juice and coconut oil over medium heat. Whisk in the arrowroot powder until there are no clumps.
Next, whisk in the maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the apples, and stir until they’re well coated.
Let the apples sautรฉ for about 6-7 minutes, or until they’re slightly softened.
Pour the apples over the unbaked almond butter base. Crumble the remaining 1/3 of the dough and add to the top of the apple mixture.
Bake for 30-32 minutes, or until the top becomes golden.
Let cool for 30 minutes before placing in the fridge to cool for another hour. I recommend letting them sit in the fridge for 3-4 hours before cutting.
If using the optional glaze, mix the powdered sugar and almond milk, and then add it to the top of the bars.
A healthier recipe for apple pie bars
In this recipe you’ll find a number of healthier baking ingredients. All were chosen to keep this recipe as whole as possible and provide extra nutrients!
Natural almond butter
Almond butter is my preferred option in the nut butter world. I love the way it tastes and the high amounts of protein it provides! Additionally, I always opt for all natural nut butters, as the alternatives are filled with so many preservatives. When it comes to nut butter, natural is a must.
Coconut oil
My preferred baking oil is always coconut oil. It’s got a better nutritional content than vegetable and canola oil and works really well with essentially any recipe.
Maple syrup
When it comes to adding a touch of sweetness, I always like to use maple syrup! It tastes fantastic and is a great way to achieve a yummy flavor without dumping buckets of white sugar into your recipe.
Almond flour
Almond flour is a go-to in my world! It works well in any baked recipe and is a good, healthy alternative to all-purpose flour.
Arrowroot powder
This powder works similarly to cornstarch or flour and helps to thicken up the recipe. I like to use it in place of cornstarch because it contains extra fiber and calcium!
Almond milk
I tend to stay away from dairy milk, instead opting for nut milks! They contain more natural nutrients and aren’t pumped with all of the hormones that come in cow’s milk.
Apple pie bar substitution options
Missing an ingredient? Check this list before running to the store! Many of the items in this recipe can be substituted with simple alternatives.
- Almond butter: Not feeling almond butter? That’s okay! Absolutely any nut butter will work in this recipe, as will nut-free SunButter.
- Coconut oil: Any similar high-fat baking oil will work in place of coconut oil, such as vegetable or canola.
- Maple syrup: You can use honey or molasses to sweeten your bars! These don’t convert at a 1:1 ratio, so add to taste.
- Baking soda: Out of baking soda? That’s okay! You can use 1.5 tsp baking powder to replace it.
- Arrowroot powder: If you don’t have arrowroot powder handy, you can use cornstarch instead.
- Almond milk: Finally, any milk will work in place of almond milk. You can use another nut milk, or use dairy milk.
Optional add ons alert!
Want to spice up your bars a bit? Add chopped glazed nuts, like pecans or walnuts on top! You can also sprinkle on chocolate chips, or add a caramel drizzle! YUM.
How to store leftover healthy apple pie bars
Extra apple pie bar treats can be kept in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain flavor and texture, and enjoy within 5 days.
More delicious bars to try
Loved my apple pie bars? There are plenty more where these came from! I have a bunch of different bar recipes on my site, with flavors ranging everywhere from chocolate and s’mores to pb&j and key lime pie!
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
Healthy Apple Pie Bars
Indulge in something a little sweet with these Healthy Apple Pie Bars. Made with an almond butter crumble, ripe honey crisp apples, and a delicious glaze, these bars are the perfect autumn-inspired treat!
Ingredients
Base + crumble topping:
- 1/2 cup natural almond butter
- 1/4 cupย coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cupย maple syrup
- 1 tspย vanilla
- 3 cupsย almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Apple layer:
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and diced small apple. I used honeycrisp.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
Powdered Sugar Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp almond milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and lineย 8×8 panย with non stick spray or parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix almond butter, coconut oil,ย maple syrup, andย vanillaย until well combined.
- In a large bowl, mixย almond flour, baking soda and salt.
- Add wet ingredients to dry and stir until fully mixed.
- Press 2/3 of almond butter dough into bottom of pan until evenly spread. Set aside other 1/3 of dough.
- In a saucepan, heat lemon juice and coconut oil over medium heat. Whisk in arrowroot powder until there are no clumps.
- Whisk in maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then add in apples. Stir until coated.
- Let apples saute about 6-7 minutes or until softened slightly.
- Pour apples over almond butter base (unbaked). Crumble the remaining 1/3 dough to the top of the apple mixture.
- Bake for 30-32 minutes or until golden on top.
- Let cool for 30 minutes before placing in the fridge to cool for another hour. I recommend letting them sit in the fridge for 3-4 hours before cutting!
- Mix and top with optional glaze if desired.
- Store in fridge. Enjoy!
There may be affiliate links in this post!ย By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat ๐
Brooke says
We made these for thanksgiving – they were so easy to make and tasted incredible!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Brooke, so happy you loved the bars!!
Melody Monberg says
Can I freeze these bars? I’d like to add them to cookie boxes I make for friends but need to do them ahead of time.
Erin says
Hi Melody, yep that’ll be fine. Let me know how they come out!
Jen says
Made these last night and had to force myself to put them awayโฆso good!! I subbed one cup of oats for one cup of the almond flour for a little more texture. Took them out of the oven at 28 minutes, and they were perfect! My next shopping trip already has apples on my list, so I can make these again!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jen, so glad you loved them and great idea!!
Kelly says
Another fab and super simple to make recipe from Erin- would highly recommend! I topped with a date caramel icing and subbed in some coconut sugar/ water for maple syrup. Yum!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelly, so happy you enjoyed them!!
Kelly says
Another fab recipe from Erin- would highly recommend! I topped with a date caramel icing and subbed in some coconut sugar/ water for maple syrup
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Kelly, so glad you loved them!!
amanda says
made these for thanksgiving and christmas, but just now getting to leaving a review. this dessert is SO good and must make around the holidays. we have a few people in our family who can’t have dairy and they said it really satisfied an apple pie craving without all the butter – and it was so easy to make. we warmed them up before eating – SO GOOD.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Amanda, so glad you and our family loved the bars!!
alyssa says
Made these for a gathering this weekend, they were a huge hit!! SO SO yummy!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alyssa, so happy you enjoyed them!!
alyssa says
Made these for a get together this weekend, they were a HUGE hit!!! SO SO yummy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alyssa, so glad you loved them!
Gabi Dimitrova says
Around the holidays last year, I made these every week for a good month lol. They are so delicious!! Thank you, Erin, for having the best plant based recipes for sweets. Sweets are my weakness and Iโm so glad to have your recipes!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Gabi, so glad you like them and thanks for your support!!
Sarah says
Omg. These were delicious and so easy to make! Itโs the perfect guilt free dessert.
Erin says
Hi Sarah, so happy you liked them!!
Melissa says
Was a little intimidated at first but the instructions were so easy to follow with such simple and whole ingredients. Such a fun spin on apple pie!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Melissa, I am so glad that you enjoyed them!!
Karen says
So delicious! Also easy and quick enough that I made these during my lunch break working from home. It’s so nice to have recipes with simple ingredients.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Karen, so glad you enjoyed them!!
Alisha says
These apple pie bars are amazing! Honeycrisp apples are my favorite, and I love using them in this recipe. Even though this recipe has fall written all over it, Iโll definitely be making them year round!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Alisha, so happy you enjoyed them so much! ๐
hannah floss says
Absolutely amazing. I put salted caramel ice cream on top and it has been my go to holiday dessert!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hannah, so happy you enjoyed it and great addition!!
Lauren says
Made these for my in-laws for Christmas and they were a HIT! So delicious and moist!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing!!
sydney says
these are insane!!! made them as a thanksgiving dessert to give everyone a healthy option and there were no leftovers, ive made them twice in the last week and they don’t last more than 24 hours with my family! i subbed honey for the maple syrup and it was equally delicious! thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sydney, thanks for sharing! I am so happy everyone loves them and you made them your own! ๐
Emma Zimmer says
These are amazing!! Perfect fall flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. I love the crust too – I used tahini because I didn’t have almond butter and it gets so dense & crumbly which pairs well with the apple layer. My family, who are wary of any “peculiar” ingredients loved them too!! Will be making again every holiday season! (or maybe year round :))
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Emma, I am so happy you and your family enjoyed it! It is definitely good year round! ๐
Casey says
LOVE how quick + easy these came together!! The perfect Fall dessert bars!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Casey, I’m happy you enjoyed them so much!
Benedette says
I really liked this recipe!! I love how little added sugar this uses but still maintains a really nice sweet taste to it. I like to warm them up and add some vanilla soy ice cream to it – the best way to end my day ๐
Also the cookie portion is so good I almost ate it all before baking it
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Benedette, thanks for sharing! I am so happy you enjoyed them so much!!
Aana says
So delicious !!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Anna, so glad you liked them!
Katie M says
These are so tasty! Theyโre not too sweet and I was so happy about that. I did not have almond butter so I used peanut butter and it worked out great. Who doesnโt love apples and peanut butter? I think we may try heating these up a bit with some ice cream for dessert tonight. Yum!!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, thanks for your kind words! I’m glad you made it your own and enjoyed it so much!