Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped in a slice of something truly indulgent, you’re in for a treat with this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe. Imagine tender apple slices nestled on a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a crumbly, cinnamon-spiced streusel and drizzled with luscious salted caramel. It’s basically apple pie, but easier to slice, share, and devour—perfect for those moments when you want classic comfort without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want these bars on repeat!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe relies on simple, well-matched ingredients that come together like an old friend—each playing a unique role to build those nostalgic fall flavors you’re craving. Let me walk you through why these ingredients really make a difference.

• Unsalted butter: Key for the rich, tender shortbread crust and the crumbly streusel topping; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness, especially important with salted caramel drizzled on top.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to both the crust and apple filling, balancing tartness perfectly.
• Pure vanilla extract: A little vanilla in the crust elevates that buttery flavor without overpowering the apples.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors in the crust, especially highlighting the sweetness of the caramel.
• All-purpose flour: The base for both crust and streusel, giving structure yet keeping things tender.
• Apples: Choosing a mix of tart and sweet apples gives the filling depth—try Granny Smith with Pink Lady for my favorite combo.
• Cinnamon & nutmeg: Warm spices that bring classic apple pie aroma and flavor, making these bars so comforting.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds chewiness and texture to the streusel, balancing the softness of the apples.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to the streusel topping for that perfect crunch.
• Salted caramel sauce: The star finishing touch—not too sweet, with just that savory saltiness that keeps you coming back for more.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve loved playing around with different apples and toppings, so I encourage you to make these bars fit your taste buds and pantry.

• Variation: I sometimes swap in pears with the apples for a juicier, slightly more delicate filling—adds a lovely twist that guests always ask about.
• Dietary swaps: For a gluten-free version, try almond flour in the crust and a certified gluten-free oat variety in the streusel.
• Sweetness level: Adjust the sugar in the filling based on the tartness of your apples—if you have extra-tart ones, bump it up slightly or drizzle a little more caramel on top after baking.
• Caramel options: Homemade salted caramel is a winner, but when time’s tight, store-bought caramel sauce works beautifully too—just pick a good-quality brand.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the buttery shortbread crust

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C) and lining an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper—don’t skip the parchment; it makes lifting the bars out a breeze. Mix the melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt, then stir in the flour until everything is evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the pan to create a smooth, even crust. I find gently patting it down with the back of a spoon works perfectly. Bake for 15 minutes until it’s just starting to set—this step forms a sturdy base without browning too much. While it’s in the oven, get your filling and streusel ready.

Step 2: Tossing the apple filling

In a large bowl, combine your peeled, thinly sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I like slicing my apples about ¼-inch thick for soft but not mushy filling. Toss everything together gently so each slice is coated—this ensures the apples cook down nicely and the spices are evenly distributed. You’ll get several cups of apple slices; the secret is to layer them tight on the crust in the next step.

Step 3: Mixing the cozy streusel topping

Whisk together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a medium bowl. Then add chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry blender (or two forks, or your fingertips if you like getting hands-on) to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. The cold butter chunks melt during baking and create that wonderful crumbly texture on top.

Step 4: Assembling and baking

Turn the oven temperature up to 350°F (177°C). Layer your apple filling evenly over the warm crust, but don’t be shy about fitting in every slice tightly—press them down gently to create a compact layer. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apples. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and you can smell those spicy oats toasting. Your kitchen will smell amazing, I promise!

Step 5: Cooling and adding the final salted caramel drizzle

Once baked, allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then pop them into the fridge for at least 2 hours to fully set (overnight is even better if you can plan ahead). Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan, cut into squares or rectangles (I usually get 16 smaller bars), and then drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce. You can enjoy the bars warm, room temp, or chilled—each way brings out a different part of the flavor and texture.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I love a simple drizzle of salted caramel sauce to finish these bars, but feel free to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top too—it cuts through the sweetness and adds a subtle crunch that’s divine. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns these bars into an effortless dessert party star.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee—perfect for fall afternoons. For a brunch spread, place next to cinnamon-spiced yogurt or alongside a sharp cheddar cheese plate to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try cutting the bars into mini bite-sized squares and threading them onto skewers with roasted nuts and small apple slices for an elegant, portable treat. Or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh thyme and mini jars of caramel sauce for dipping—it’s a real conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The bars actually taste better the next day as the flavors mellow and soak together. Just make sure to drizzle any extra caramel sauce fresh before serving to keep that perfect balance.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars successfully by wrapping individual pieces in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. They hold up well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add a fresh drizzle of caramel—it almost tastes freshly baked!

Reheating

If you prefer warm bars, gently reheat leftovers in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes or zap individual bars in the microwave for 20 seconds. Just don’t overdo it, or the streusel topping could lose its crunch. Reapply caramel drizzle after warming for the full effect.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it captures everything I love about apple pie with less fuss and a generous drizzle of caramel-y magic. It’s that perfect fall dessert that brings everyone together—warm, inviting, and a little bit addictive. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it becomes a staple in your baking rotation, just like it did in mine.

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