This recipe has been thoughtfully updated in partnership with Chosen Foods, reflecting our shared commitment to wholesome ingredients. All opinions and culinary insights are genuinely my own.
Embrace the comforting flavors of autumn with these exquisite Paleo Apple Pie Bars. Crafted to be grain-free, AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) compliant, and entirely vegan, these bars are the quintessential treat for fall holidays, festive gatherings, or simply a delightful weekend indulgence. They offer all the beloved taste of a classic apple pie in a convenient, shareable bar format, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy a slice of homemade goodness.
While a traditional apple pie holds a special place in our hearts, there’s an undeniable appeal to an “easy mode” recipe that delivers on flavor without the fuss. These Paleo Apple Pie Bars perfectly embody that convenience, making them not only simple to prepare but also incredibly accommodating to a variety of dietary needs. Imagine hosting a fall or winter gathering where every guest, regardless of their dietary preferences—be it gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan—can indulge in a delicious dessert without compromise. These bars fit the bill perfectly.
They are meticulously crafted to be egg-free, grain-free, nut-free, and dairy-free, yet they boast a rich, satisfying taste that rivals any traditional pie. Our philosophy centers around using only real, nourishing food ingredients. That means no artificial fats, no strange processed sugars, just pure, wholesome components working together to create a treat that is both healthy and incredibly delicious. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tender apples, warm spices, and a subtly sweet, crumbly crust that will leave you wanting more.
To elevate these bars to an even sweeter dimension, we’ve included an optional, utterly decadent vegan caramel sauce. A generous drizzle of this luscious sauce truly amplifies the sweetness and adds a luxurious touch, transforming a simple bar into an extraordinary dessert experience. It’s the perfect finishing touch that makes these apple pie bars truly unforgettable.
Why These Paleo Apple Pie Bars Are a Must-Try
Beyond their delightful taste, these apple pie bars stand out for their incredible versatility and health-conscious profile. In a world where dietary restrictions often mean missing out on favorite treats, this recipe ensures inclusivity and enjoyment for everyone. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your recipe rotation:
- Uncompromisingly Delicious: Despite being free from common allergens and following strict dietary guidelines like AIP, these bars do not skimp on flavor. The natural sweetness of apples, combined with aromatic cinnamon and a perfectly balanced crust, creates a truly satisfying dessert.
- Allergen-Friendly Champion: Whether you’re navigating a Paleo lifestyle, following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), or adhering to a vegan diet, these bars are designed for you. They are naturally gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free, making them safe and enjoyable for a wide range of sensitivities and preferences.
- Made with Real Food Ingredients: We believe in transparency and goodness. This recipe calls for simple, recognizable ingredients that nourish your body. You won’t find any mysterious additives or highly processed components here, just pure, wholesome goodness from nature.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From a cozy family dinner to a grand holiday feast, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. Their convenient bar shape makes them easy to serve and enjoy, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply treating yourself.
- Simple to Prepare: We understand that life is busy. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible, even for novice bakers. With clear, step-by-step instructions, you can effortlessly create a stunning dessert that tastes like it took hours.
Key Ingredients Unveiled
The secret to these bars lies in a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and dietary compliance. Let’s delve deeper into what makes these components so special:
- Tigernut Flour: A true superstar in grain-free baking, tigernut flour is one of my absolute favorites. Despite its name, it’s not a nut but a small tuber, making it ideal for nut-free and AIP diets. It has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and a fine texture that mimics almond flour, providing a wonderful structure to the crust and crumble. It’s also rich in fiber, adding to the nutritional value of these bars. I highly recommend sticking to tigernut flour for this recipe, as I haven’t experimented with almond flour as a direct substitute.
- Tapioca Starch (or Arrowroot Starch): Essential for achieving the right consistency, tapioca starch acts as an excellent binder in both the apple filling and the crust. It helps to thicken the apple mixture, preventing it from becoming watery, and contributes to the delicate crumb of the bars. You can easily find it online or in most health food stores. Arrowroot starch is a fantastic alternative if tapioca starch is unavailable, offering similar binding properties.
- Apples: The heart and soul of these bars, apples bring natural sweetness and a lovely tart counterpoint. I personally adore using Pink Lady apples for their superb balance of sweet and tart notes, which holds up beautifully during baking. Other great options include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith (if you prefer more tartness), or Fuji. Ensure they are peeled, cored, and chopped into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Avocado Oil: A superior choice for baking, avocado oil is celebrated for its neutral flavor profile and high smoke point, making it incredibly versatile. As a dairy-free alternative to butter or other vegetable oils, it contributes healthy monounsaturated fats, adding moisture and richness without imparting any unwanted taste. I consistently rely on Chosen Foods Avocado Oil and avocado spray in my kitchen for their exceptional quality and purity.
- Coconut Butter: This ingredient is a game-changer for creating a creamy texture in a nut-free recipe. Essentially puréed coconut meat, coconut butter acts as a fantastic alternative to nut butters, lending a subtle coconut flavor and an extra hint of creaminess to both the crust and the crumble topping. It helps bind the ingredients and contributes to the overall richness, all while keeping the recipe completely nut-free and AIP-friendly.
Crafting Your Paleo Apple Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful Paleo Apple Pie Bars is a surprisingly simple process, broken down into manageable steps that ensure a perfect result every time. Follow these instructions closely for a batch of irresistibly tender and flavorful bars.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: The journey to perfect apple pie bars begins with a luscious apple filling. In a medium saucepan, combine your chopped apples, water, coconut sugar, arrowroot starch (or tapioca starch), cinnamon, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir the mixture gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the starch dissolves. Allow it to simmer for approximately 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples become tender but still hold their shape. This process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to thicken slightly. Once ready, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare and Par-Bake the Crust: The foundation of these bars is a wonderfully crumbly and flavorful crust. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the crust: tigernut flour, tapioca starch, coconut sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon. Ensure they are thoroughly incorporated. Next, add the wet ingredients: maple syrup, avocado oil, and melted coconut butter. Stir everything together until a cohesive dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky. Carefully press the majority of this dough evenly onto the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan, which you’ve previously lined with parchment paper and lightly sprayed with avocado oil. Reserve about 4 tablespoons of the dough for the crumble topping. Par-bake the crust in your preheated oven (350°F / 175°C) for 8 minutes. This step helps create a sturdy base and prevents a soggy bottom. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Bars: Once the par-baked crust has cooled slightly, it’s time to layer on the delicious filling. Evenly spread the prepared apple filling over the crust. Ensure the apples are distributed from edge to edge. Now, take the reserved crust dough and crumble it over the apple filling. Gently flatten the crumbles slightly with your fingers to create a textured topping that will become golden and crisp during the final bake.
- Final Bake and Serve: Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the apples are bubbling gently. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible! Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. This is a crucial step: allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30-60 minutes before attempting to slice them. This cooling period is essential for the bars to set and become stable, especially since they are egg-free and more delicate. Carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the entire block of bars from the pan, then slice them into 9 even bars. For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle with the optional vegan caramel sauce (recipe below) just before serving.
Pro Tips & Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Apple Pie Bars
To ensure your Paleo Apple Pie Bars are a resounding success and to maximize your enjoyment, keep these helpful tips and serving suggestions in mind:
- Allow for Ample Cooling Time: This is arguably the most critical tip for these bars. Unlike traditional recipes that rely on eggs for structure, these bars are egg-free, making them more delicate when warm. It is imperative to let them cool completely, preferably for several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator, before slicing and serving. This allows the ingredients to set and firm up, resulting in clean, stable bars that won’t crumble apart. Patience is key for perfect slices!
- Serve with a Fork (and a Plate!): These are not your typical handheld brownie bars. Their delicate nature, especially when fresh from the oven, means they are best enjoyed with a plate and a fork. This enhances the dessert experience, allowing you to savor each tender, flavorful bite.
- Pair with Dairy-Free Delights: Just like a classic apple pie, these bars are absolutely divine when served à la mode. Top a warm bar with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream. The contrast of warm bars with cold, creamy toppings is simply heavenly and adds another layer of indulgence.
- Spice it Up: While cinnamon is a staple for apple pie, don’t hesitate to experiment with other warming spices. A pinch of nutmeg, a dash of ground cloves, or a touch of allspice can add depth and complexity to the apple filling, customizing the flavor profile to your liking.
- Storage: Store any leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can gently warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving for that freshly baked taste, or enjoy them chilled.
For the Optional Vegan Caramel Sauce
This rich and creamy vegan caramel sauce is incredibly easy to make and transforms these apple pie bars into an even more decadent dessert. It adds a wonderful layer of sweetness and a hint of sophistication.
- Preparation: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup coconut cream (ensure you use the thick, solid part from a can of full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight), ¼ cup coconut sugar, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt. Place over medium heat and stir continuously until the coconut sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens and achieves a beautiful golden-brown color. Be patient, as it will thicken further as it cools. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before drizzling over your warm apple pie bars.
Explore More Wholesome Desserts!
If you’ve enjoyed the wholesome goodness of these Paleo Apple Pie Bars, you’re in for a treat with these other delicious and dietary-friendly recipes from our collection:
- Pumpkin Pie Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars – A delightful fusion of classic fall flavors and a beloved cookie treat.
- Paleo Pumpkin Bread – Moist, spiced, and perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon snack.
Paleo Apple Pie Bars (AIP, Vegan)
9 servings
5 mins
45 mins
Michelle
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Ingredients
For the apple filling
- 3 cups pink lady apple, chopped
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 2 tsp arrowroot starch
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Juice of half a lemon
For the crust
- 1 ¼ cup tigernut flour
- ¼ cup tapioca starch
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp avocado oil, I use Chosen Foods
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp coconut butter, melted (see notes for method)
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
For the optional caramel sauce
- ½ cup coconut cream
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
For the apple pie bars
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Preheat the oven to 350 F (175 C) and line an 8×8″ baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment paper with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking, then set aside.
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Using a medium saucepan, combine all the apple-filling ingredients: chopped pink lady apples, water, coconut sugar, arrowroot starch, cinnamon, and fresh lemon juice. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly to ensure everything is well combined and prevent sticking, simmering for 5-8 minutes or until the apples have softened to your desired tenderness. Set the prepared filling aside to cool.
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For the crust, in a large mixing bowl, combine the tigernut flour, tapioca starch, coconut sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. Next, add the wet ingredients: maple syrup, avocado oil, and melted coconut butter. Stir until a uniform dough is fully combined.
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Take the majority of the prepared crust dough (reserving about 4 tablespoons for the topping) and press it firmly and evenly onto the bottom of your prepped 8×8-inch baking pan, ensuring it forms a thin, consistent layer.
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Par-bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. This crucial step helps create a sturdy base and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. After 8 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool for about 5 minutes.
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Evenly layer the cooled apple filling on top of the par-baked crust, spreading it from edge to edge. Then, take the remaining 4 tablespoons of crust dough and crumble it over the apples. Gently flatten the crumbles slightly to form a rustic, textured topping.
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Bake the assembled bars in the oven for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 30-60 minutes before attempting to remove them. This cooling time is essential for the bars to set and become stable. Carefully lift the parchment paper to remove the entire batch from the pan, then slice into 9 even bars. Serve as is, or with the optional vegan caramel sauce (instructions below) for an extra touch of sweetness.
For the optional caramel sauce
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In a small saucepan, combine the coconut cream, coconut sugar, and sea salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. Bring it to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer, continuing to stir often. Simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the caramel has visibly reduced and thickened, turning a rich golden-brown color. Remember, it will thicken further as it cools. Remove from heat and allow to cool before drizzling over your apple pie bars.
Notes
- For melting coconut butter, the best method is to use a double boiler. Avoid microwaving coconut butter, as it tends to burn easily. Gentle, indirect heat is key.
- All nutritional information provided is an estimation and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Estimations do not include any optional ingredients.
This cherished recipe was originally published in 2018 and has been thoughtfully updated in 2023 to bring you the best possible experience.