Apple Spice Cake Mix Bars 🍎🍂
These Apple Spice Cake Mix Bars are soft, buttery, and packed with sweet cinnamon-spiced apple flavor. Made with just four simple ingredients, they feature a tender cake-mix crust, a delicious apple pie filling, and a golden, crumbly topping. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, holiday desserts, potlucks, or an easy treat with a cup of coffee!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Bake Time
30–35 minutes
Servings
12–16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) Betty Crocker Spice Cake Mix
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (21 oz) Lucky Leaf Apple Pie Filling, chopped into smaller pieces
Optional toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the cake mix dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry spice cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Stir with a sturdy spoon or spatula until everything is combined and a thick, soft dough forms.
The dough will be thicker than traditional cake batter, which is exactly what you want for these bars.
Step 3: Form the bottom crust
Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create an even layer.
Make sure the dough reaches the corners so every bar has a delicious cake-like base.
Step 4: Add the apple pie filling
Open the can of apple pie filling and chop any large apple slices into smaller pieces.
Spread the filling evenly over the bottom crust, leaving a little space around the edges if desired. Distribute the apples and their syrup evenly for a sweet, moist center.
Step 5: Add the crumb topping
Take the remaining one-third of the dough and pinch off small pieces with your fingers. Scatter them over the apple filling.
Don’t worry if some apple filling remains visible. The uneven pieces of dough will create a lovely golden, rustic crumb topping as the bars bake.
Step 6: Bake until golden
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the topping looks set.
If the center still looks very wet, continue baking for a few additional minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.
Step 7: Cool completely
Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the bars cool completely before cutting.
Cooling helps the apple filling set and makes the bars easier to slice neatly.
Step 8: Slice and serve
Cut into 12–16 squares, depending on your preferred serving size. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra-special finish.
Serve at room temperature, or warm slightly and enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the best apple spice bars
- Chop the apples: Smaller pieces help distribute the filling evenly throughout the bars.
- Measure the dough portions: Reserve about one-third for the topping so you have enough for the crumble.
- Allow enough cooling time: Cutting while warm may cause the apple filling to spill out.
- Add extra flavor: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg complements the spice cake mix beautifully.
- Store properly: Keep the cooled bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them a day ahead, allow them to cool completely, and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely. Use approximately 21 ounces of prepared apple pie filling, making sure it isn’t excessively watery.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges should be golden brown, and the crumb topping should look set. The apple layer will remain moist.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes. Once completely cooled, slice them and freeze in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Final result: Sweet, tender apple spice bars with a buttery cake-mix crust and a golden crumble topping—an easy, comforting dessert that tastes like fall in every bite! 🍎🥧