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Apple Bars

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These outstanding Apple Bars are so easy to make with only 5 ingredients: cake mix, butter, apples, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk!

A slice of an apple bar with icing on top.

Moist, flavorful apple bars are popular year-round, but they really shine during the autumn months. These chewy, tender bars are sure to become a favorite.

What You’ll Find In This Post

Apple bars in a pan with icing.

Tonia’s Notes

This recipe has been on the blog since the fall of 2013! I love that it only uses a few ingredients. Plus, the recipe is adaptable! If I don’t have any Granny Smith apples, I use whatever I have on hand. It’s also delicious with chopped walnuts, and I’ve also shared a way to make a homemade apple spice cake mix.

I brought these bars to a friend’s house recently; she loved them so much that she planned to make them next weekend! Another lady said they were so good that she planned to have another piece for breakfast. Although they are delicious by themselves, my favorite way to eat them is with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Apple Bars Ingredients

Ingredients on a marble countertop.
  • Cake Mix: Use a spice cake mix or add two teaspoons of apple pie spice to a yellow cake mix.
  • Butter: Moistens the cake mix and adds flavor.
  • Apples: Choose tart apples for baking.
  • Pecans: For flavor and texture. You can also use chopped walnuts.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and moisture.

How To Make Apple Bars

Preparing the cake mix crust.

Mix together the spice cake mix and the melted butter. Use half of it to make the crust and set the remaining half aside for later.

Top the crust with apples and pecans.

Top the crust with diced, peeled Granny Smith apples and chopped pecans.

Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.

Drizzle a can of sweetened condensed milk over the apples and pecans layer. Crumble the remaining cake mix mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the top.

Apple bars in a pan with icing.

Bake the bars at 350˚F for 35-40 minutes. Allow the bars to cool, and then you can drizzle a powdered sugar glaze over the top!

An apple bar on a white plate with ice cream on top.

Tips For Success

  • You don’t need to add anything besides the butter to the cake mix. The cake mix is a shortcut to making a crumb topping from scratch!
  • Although the dough for the crust doesn’t look like enough, it is! Sprinkle the crumbly batter around the pan and then pat it into place.
  • Use a fork to break up the remaining cake mix mixture before sprinkling it over the bars.
  • The powdered sugar glaze adds contrast and makes the bars look more pretty!
Apple bars in a pan with icing.

More Apple Recipes

A slice of an apple bar with icing on top.

Apple Bars

These outstanding Apple Bars are so easy to make with only 5 ingredients: cake mix, butter, apples, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk!
4.59 from 12 votes
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24

Ingredients

  • 15.25 oz spice cake mix see notes
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 1 lb Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced about 3 medium
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Mix together cake mix and melted butter. Pat half of the mixture (about 1 1/2 cups) into a parchment-lined, greased 9×13″ pan. Set the remaining half aside for later.
  • Top with diced apples and chopped pecans.
  • Drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.
  • Crumble the remaining cake mix mixture (about 1 1/2 cups) and sprinkle evenly over the top.
  • Bake at 350˚F for 35-40 minutes.
  • Allow the bars to cool and then drizzle with a powdered sugar glaze if desired.

Video

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Notes

Spice Cake Mix:

  • Whisk 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice into a yellow cake mix.
  • Or make your own spice mix using 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice and whisk into to a yellow cake mix.

Powdered Sugar Glaze:

  • Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons whole milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bar | Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 170mg | Potassium: 158mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Tonia Larson

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples should you use in apple bars?

I prefer using Granny Smith apples, but you can also use Empire, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp.

Do apple bars freeze well?

Yes, they freeze well! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months.

How can I reheat them?

Reheat one at a time in the microwave. Or reheat the whole pan in the oven at 350˚F for about 10 minutes.

More Apple Desserts

About Tonia Larson

Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

Comments

    4.59 from 12 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Emilia says

    This recipe looks and sounds SO good I am afraid I will be committing a crime if I make it. But, hey, I think it’s worth the jail time!
    😉

    Reply

  2. Pat Keith says

    The spice cake mix you just add a stick of butter and a egg. That is all. Then you put on thr layer . Just want to know if that is right. Thank You Pat

    Reply

    • Annette says

      As a substitute for the spice cake, You can add 1 1/2 – 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon + your choice of any or all 1/4 teaspoon each nutmeg, ginger, allspice cloves) to butter cake mix.

      Reply

  6. Hana says

    OMG! I’m sitting here looking for an apple recipe to make for thanksgiving, I usually make an apple pie, pecan pie, and a pumpkin pie. This year I’m looking for something new. When I saw your Carmel Apple Pecan Bars, I knew this is it! This is a great combo for two of my pies, and I love anything with sweetened condensed milk. Thanks so much for sharing, happy thanksgiving 🙂

    Reply

  10. Kristen Duke says

    YUM!! I love fall and these bars sound like the perfect fall treat. My mouth is watering just looking at your pictures!

    Reply

  17. Jenna says

    Thanks Tonia! I was thinking about making some apple recipes and this sounds perfect! I love sweetened condensed milk recipes, and using the spice cake mix is well, genius!! Thanks so much!

    Reply

  20. Shannah @ Just Us Four says

    These look so good! We are hoping to head out for some apple picking this weekend and now I know the perfect thing to make with our bounty. 🙂

    Reply