CAKE MIX APPLE PIE BARS

Cake Mix Apple Pie Bars are the easiest way to enjoy the warm, spiced flavor of apple pie without all the work. Made with just six simple ingredients, including cake mix, oats, and apple pie filling, these dessert bars come together in minutes and taste like a homemade classic.

Recipe Highlights

• Customizable. Change it up by using different cake mix flavors, adding nuts, or drizzling caramel on top. You can also swap in homemade apple pie filling if you want a slightly fresher flavor.
• Apple pie flavor, without the fuss. Traditional apple pie requires peeling apples, mixing filling, rolling dough, and carefully baking to get it just right. These bars shortcut the process while still giving you that nostalgic, homemade flavor.
• Just 6 ingredients. With only a cake mix, oats, butter, egg, cinnamon, and apple pie filling, you can make this dessert anytime without a long shopping list or special equipment.
• Easy prep + quick bake. In about 5 minutes, you’ll have everything layered in the pan and ready to go in the oven. No tricky steps—just mix, press, and bake.
• Great for sharing. This recipe makes 18 bars, which is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or bringing to work. Everyone loves apple pie flavor, and these travel and serve more easily than a traditional pie.

Ingredients in Cake Mix Apple Pie Bars

• Spice cake mix – I love this cake mix because it already has so much flavor. You could use a white or yellow cake mix, but then I would add some more spices to it (nutmeg, ginger, allspice and extra cinnamon).
• Oats – I really like to use old-fashioned oats, but you can definitely swap in quick oats if you prefer a less chewy consistency.
• Cinnamon – There is some cinnamon in the spice cake mix, but add a little bit more cinnamon just because it goes so well with the apples!
• Butter – You will need 3/4 cup butter, which is 1 1/2 sticks. You will want the butter to be cold straight out of the fridge before adding to the recipe. Use a knife to cut the butter into smaller pieces before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• Egg – 1 large egg will bind everything together.
• Apple pie filling – You will need 1 can (21 oz) of apple pie filling. You can definitely use a homemade version if you prefer!

Helpful Tips for Success

Full instructions on how to make the Cake Mix Apple Pie Bars can be found on the recipe card below, but here are a few helpful tips.

• Serve with toppings. These bars are incredible when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fall gathering, drizzle warm caramel over the top right before serving.
• Make them chewier. Old-fashioned oats create a heartier bar with more bite, perfect if you like texture in your desserts. Quick oats make the bars softer and less noticeable in each bite—use whichever fits your preference.
• Add nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch and pair perfectly with the spiced apple flavor. Sprinkle them on top of the bars before baking for extra texture.
• Extra sweetness. For a bakery-style finish, drizzle the cooled bars with caramel sauce, powdered sugar glaze, or a simple icing. This makes them look polished and adds another layer of flavor.
• Homemade filling. If you’ve got fresh apples, you can cook them down with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch to make your own filling. It takes a little longer, but the flavor is brighter and fresher.
• Change the cake mix. Spice cake mix is easiest, but yellow cake mix gives a milder flavor, and chocolate cake mix makes a decadent twist that pairs surprisingly well with apple.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy without refrigeration.
• Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge for 4–5 days. The bars will firm up slightly when cold, so let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave briefly to warm.

Cake Mix Apple Pie Bars

Cake Mix Apple Pie Bars are made with a cake mix, oats, a can of apple pie filling and a few other basic ingredients. An easy and delicious cake mix dessert that tastes just like apple pie!

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Cake Mix Apple Pie Bars

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 18

Calories: 267kcal

Author: Jessica & Nellie

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Ingredients 

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• 1 pkg spice cake mix
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¾ cup butter cold, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg
• 1 can 21 oz apple pie filling

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 9X13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• Combine cake mix, oats and cinnamon in large bowl. Cut in butter using pastry blender or the back of a fork until butter is evenly distributed and no large pieces remain. (The mixture will be pretty dry and clumpy.) Stir in egg until well blended.
• Press about 3/4 of the mixture in the bottom of the pan. Spread apple pie filling over the top and then crumble the remaining dough over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top and edges are lightly browned. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 267mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 261IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg

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FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Yellow or white cake mix works well as long as you add extra spices. For a creative twist, try chocolate cake mix with apple pie filling—it creates a rich, unexpected dessert.

Do I need to peel fresh apples if I make my own filling?
It’s optional. Peeled apples give a softer, classic filling texture, while unpeeled apples add a little more bite and keep some extra nutrients.

Can these be served warm?
Absolutely! Warm bars served with vanilla ice cream are a crowd favorite. They also taste wonderful at room temperature, which makes them great for gatherings or lunchbox treats.

MORE APPLE PIE DESSERTS TO TRY:

• Crispy strips of pie crust filled with applesauce, fried golden, and coated in cinnamon sugar make Apple Pie Fries an irresistible apple dessert.
• Snickerdoodle Apple Pie combines spiced apples with soft, chewy Snickerdoodle cookie dough for a cozy twist on a classic dessert.
• Made with just 4 ingredients, Apple Pie Ice Cream is a creamy, no-churn treat that tastes just like apple pie in frozen form.
• Perfect for parties and holiday gatherings, these mini desserts use Snickerdoodle cookie mix and apple pie filling to create Snickerdoodle Apple Pie Bites.
• Creamy, cinnamon-spiced, and perfect for dipping fruit, graham crackers, or pretzels, Apple Pie Dip captures all the flavor of apple pie in a simple snack.

Cake Mix Apple Pie Bars are a no-fuss treat you’ll make again and again whenever you’re craving the comforting taste of apple pie in an easy bar form.