Print

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars

Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bars combine gooey cinnamon roll dough with a spiced apple pie filling, all topped with a creamy glaze. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for cozy gatherings or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2/3 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add cold cubed butter and cut in with a pastry cutter or two forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour into flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Add more flour if dough is too sticky.
  4. In another bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, lemon juice, and nutmeg until apples are glossy and coated.
  5. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl for the cinnamon swirl.
  6. Divide dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  7. Sprinkle apple filling over the dough. Drizzle cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over apples.
  8. Drop spoonfuls of remaining dough over the top and gently spread or flatten. It’s okay if apples peek through.
  9. Bake for 28–32 minutes, until top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  10. Let bars cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out with parchment.
  11. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Drizzle glaze over warm bars.
  12. Cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then slice into 12 bars (or 9 for thicker bars). Serve.

Notes

Keep butter cold for a flaky base. If dough seems dry, add a splash more milk. If apples are juicy, toss with extra cornstarch. Let bars cool before glazing for best results. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, plant-based butter, and a flax egg. Bars can be made ahead, stored at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon roll bars, apple pie bars, easy dessert, homemade bars, creamy glaze, fall baking, comfort food, potluck dessert, kid-friendly, brunch

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/cinnamon-roll-apple-pie-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-with-creamy-glaze/