These soft and sweet Apple Bars with Pumpkin Pie Spice Icing are a cozy fall dessert made with fresh apples and warm seasonal spice. They are a wonderful way to use apples after a trip to the orchard, and they make an easy treat for autumn gatherings, Halloween parties, family dinners, or an afternoon snack. The tender apple bars are finished with a creamy pumpkin pie spice icing that adds just the right amount of sweetness and fall flavor.
Apple season is one of the best times of year for simple homemade baking. If you have a basket of apples from apple picking, these apple dessert bars are a delicious way to put them to use. The bars bake up soft, moist, and flavorful, with chopped apples folded into the batter for a fresh bite in every square.
What makes this recipe extra special is the pumpkin pie spice icing. It is rich, creamy, and smooth, with the warm flavor of pumpkin pie spice blended into a classic cream cheese frosting. The combination of apples, vanilla, butter, and spice makes these bars taste like fall in every bite. They are easy enough for a casual weekend bake but tasty enough to serve to guests.
If you enjoy apple recipes, this dessert is a great one to keep in your fall baking rotation. It is especially helpful when you want a recipe that can be sliced and served easily. Because the bars are baked in a sheet pan, they are simple to cut, share, and transport.
Why You Will Love These Apple Bars
Great for sharing: These apple bars are ideal for a crowd because they are baked in a sheet pan and cut into neat squares. You can also double the recipe if you are serving a larger group.
A perfect fall treat: Fresh apples and pumpkin pie spice give this dessert a warm autumn flavor. The creamy icing makes the bars feel festive and special without being complicated.
Easy to make: This recipe uses familiar baking ingredients and straightforward steps. It is a simple dessert for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or a cozy night at home.
Recipe Ingredients
For the Apple Bars:
- Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives the bars richness and a tender texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter and helps create a soft crumb.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the bars and add structure.
- Vanilla: Vanilla adds warm flavor that pairs well with apples and spice.
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the bars.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These help the bars rise and keep them light.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend gives the bars their signature fall flavor.
- Apples: Peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples add tartness, moisture, and texture.
For the Icing:
- Vanilla: Adds depth and sweetness to the icing.
- Butter: Creates a smooth, rich frosting base.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the icing a creamy texture and light tang.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the icing.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings warm spice flavor to the creamy topping.
How to Make Apple Bars with Pumpkin Pie Spice Icing
Step 1: Combine the wet ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch quarter baking sheet and set it aside. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add the water, vanilla, and beaten eggs one at a time, mixing until the wet ingredients are smooth.
Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in the peeled and chopped apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the bars. Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the apple bars cool slightly before adding the icing so the frosting stays creamy and does not melt into the bars.
Step 4: Make the icing. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Beat until the icing is light, creamy, and easy to spread. Frost the cooled bars, slice, and serve.
Storage Tips
Store these apple bars in an airtight container for up to one week. Because the icing contains cream cheese, keep the bars chilled if you are not serving them right away. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature briefly before serving.
More Fall Recipes
Salad
Easy Fall Salad
Salads
Fall Harvest Salad
Sides
Parmesan Delicata Squash
Vegetarian
Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo
Apple Bars with Pumpkin Pie Spice Icing
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch quarter baking sheet and set it aside.
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Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Add the water, vanilla, and eggs one at a time, beating until combined.
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In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
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Fold in the chopped apples.
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Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the bars cool slightly before frosting.
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In a large bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
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Add the powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla. Beat until creamy, then spread the icing over the cooled apple bars.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.