Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Heavenly Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars Recipe for Fall Joy

Snickerdoodle apple pie bars blend two beloved dessert classics into an irresistible sweet sensation.

Warm cinnamon notes dance through a buttery, crumbly crust that cradles tender apple slices.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between soft, spiced filling and crisp, golden edges.

The recipe upgrades traditional pie expectations with a playful, innovative twist that surprises and delights.

Layers of comfort and nostalgia merge seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Home bakers will find joy in crafting these simple yet elegant treats that spark conversation and create lasting memories.

How to Layer and Bake Snickerdoodle Apple Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and coat it completely with cooking spray so nothing sticks.

Step 2: Create Cookie Base

Gather your ingredients:
  • Snickerdoodle cookie mix
  • Egg
  • Softened butter
  • Cinnamon sugar packet

Mix the cookie mix, beaten egg, and butter until a smooth dough forms. Set aside the cinnamon sugar for later.

Step 3: Build The Foundation

Take about two-thirds of your cookie dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the pan. Make sure it’s an even, solid layer that covers every corner.

Step 4: Spread Apple Goodness

Open your apple pie filling and gently spread it across the cookie dough base. Distribute the apples evenly so every bite has fruity deliciousness.

Step 5: Craft The Crumbly Topping

Break apart the remaining cookie dough into small chunks. Scatter these pieces randomly over the apple filling, creating a rustic, textured surface.

Step 6: Sprinkle Cinnamon Magic

Dust the reserved cinnamon sugar generously over the top. This will add a warm, sweet aroma and classic snickerdoodle flavor.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-55 minutes until the top turns golden brown and looks crispy around the edges.

Step 8: Create Glaze Drizzle

While bars cool, whip up the glaze:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk

Mix gradually, adding milk until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 9: Finish And Serve

Once completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the bars. Slice into 9 delectable squares and enjoy your masterpiece!

Tips for Crumbly Tops and Soft Apple Filling

  • Ensure Dough Consistency: Mix the cookie dough thoroughly but gently to prevent overworking, which can make the base tough and dense.
  • Layer Perfectly: Press the bottom cookie layer evenly using the back of a spoon or clean hands to create a uniform crust that bakes consistently.
  • Control Apple Moisture: Drain excess liquid from the canned apple pie filling to prevent soggy bars and maintain a crisp texture.
  • Prevent Burning: Cover the top with aluminum foil if the bars start browning too quickly during the last 15 minutes of baking.
  • Glaze Like a Pro: Let the bars cool completely before drizzling glaze to ensure it sets beautifully and doesn't melt into the dessert.

Best Way to Store and Serve Apple Pie Bars

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Drizzle fresh glaze before serving to restore that just-baked magic.

What Goes Great with Snickerdoodle Apple Bars

  • Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a creamy, cold vanilla ice cream alongside these warm, gooey bars to create an incredible temperature and flavor contrast that melts in your mouth.
  • Complement with Cinnamon Chai Latte: The spicy, warm notes of a chai latte perfectly echo the cinnamon undertones in the snickerdoodle bars, creating a harmonious and comforting beverage experience.
  • Match with Caramel Macchiato: The rich, buttery caramel flavor in the macchiato beautifully enhances the sweet apple and cinnamon elements of the dessert, providing a luxurious taste combination.
  • Enjoy with Spiced Apple Cider: A warm, spiced apple cider will amplify the apple pie filling's flavor, creating a nostalgic and cozy pairing that celebrates the essence of fall baking.

Flavor Options for Apple Pie-Inspired Bars

  • Pecan Paradise: Replace half the cookie dough with chopped pecans for a nutty crunch, adding depth and richness to the classic bar.
  • Berry Bliss Bars: Swap apple pie filling with mixed berry compote, creating a tangy and sweet alternative that complements the snickerdoodle base.
  • Caramel Apple Crunch: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce between the cookie dough layers and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top for extra texture and sweetness.
  • Pumpkin Spice Swap: Substitute apple filling with pumpkin puree and enhance the cinnamon sugar topping with additional pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal transformation.

Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars That Taste Like Fall

  • Effortless Flavor Fusion: Combines the beloved taste of snickerdoodle cookies with classic apple pie, creating a mouthwatering dessert that brings two comfort foods together in one incredible bite.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Uses a pre-made cookie mix and canned apple pie filling, making this recipe perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious treat without complicated steps or extensive baking skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Texture Adventure: Delivers a delightful mix of textures- crispy cookie base, soft apple filling, crumbly cookie topping, and sweet glaze- ensuring each bite offers a perfect balance of crunch and smoothness.
  • Cozy Comfort Dessert: Ideal for fall gatherings, family celebrations, or when you're craving a warm, nostalgic dessert that feels like a hug in food form, bringing together the classic flavors of cinnamon, apples, and sweet cookie goodness.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Bars with Snickerdoodle Flavor

Cookie Base:
  • Krusteaz Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix: Classic mix providing sweet cinnamon flavor and convenient base for bars.
  • Egg: Helps bind ingredients and create structure for the cookie layer.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create tender, moist texture in the cookie base.
Fruit Filling:
  • Canned Apple Pie Filling: Ready-to-use filling with pre-spiced apples for quick and consistent flavor.
Topping:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk: Simple glaze for adding sweetness and creating smooth, drizzle-able topping that complements the apple and cinnamon flavors.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bars Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Snickerdoodle apple pie bars blend classic cinnamon-sugar cookie magic with rich apple filling for an irresistible dessert. Warm spices and buttery crumble promise a delightful treat you’ll savor down to the last crumbly bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 21 ounces (595 grams) canned apple pie filling
  • 17.5 ounces (496 grams) Krusteaz Snickerdoodle cookie mix

Cookie Layer Ingredients:

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup (113 grams) butter, room temperature

Finishing Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons (1530 milliliters) milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, blend the Snickerdoodle cookie mix, beaten egg, and softened butter until a uniform dough emerges, creating a smooth, consistent texture.
  3. Press approximately two-thirds of the cookie dough into the prepared baking dish, creating an even, compact base layer that will serve as the foundation for the bars.
  4. Carefully distribute the apple pie filling across the dough base, spreading it uniformly to guarantee a consistent apple presence in every bite.
  5. Gently crumble the remaining cookie dough over the apple filling, creating a rustic, textured topping that will add visual interest and additional flavor.
  6. Generously dust the reserved cinnamon sugar mixture across the surface, ensuring an even coating that will caramelize during baking and enhance the overall sweetness.
  7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and a slightly crisp exterior that indicates perfect doneness.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps them set and develop a more stable structure.
  9. Prepare the glaze by gradually incorporating milk into powdered sugar, whisking until a smooth, pourable consistency is achieved.
  10. Once cooled, drizzle the glaze over the bars, creating an elegant, finished look that adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
  11. Slice into nine equal squares, serving as a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of snickerdoodle cookies and classic apple pie.

Notes

  • Cinnamon-sugar magic transforms ordinary cookie bars into a decadent dessert adventure.
  • Each crumbly bite combines nostalgic snickerdoodle warmth with classic apple pie comfort.
  • Unexpected flavor fusion creates a show-stopping treat that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 319
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 223 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star