Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent? These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine the rich flavors of apple pie with a sweet and salty twist!

Imagine buttery, flaky crust layered with tender cinnamon apples, all drizzled with warm, gooey salted caramel. These bars capture the essence of classic apple pie but in a convenient, bite-sized treat!

With the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and salty, these bars are sure to become a new favorite. They’re perfect for gatherings, cozy nights in, or whenever you want a treat that’s both satisfying and irresistible!

Ready to indulge in this delicious dessert? Let’s make these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars and enjoy a sweet, salty, and oh-so-satisfying treat today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort in Every Layer: Buttery shortbread base, soft spiced apples, and golden oat topping come together in the perfect texture combo.
• Easy to Slice, Easy to Serve: Unlike pie, these bars are mess-free and great for parties, lunchboxes, or quick snacks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They chill well and taste even better the next day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or just because—it’s a low-fuss treat that feels like a big warm hug.
• Customizable: Use your favorite apples or swap in pears for a twist.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours (recommended for clean cuts)
Total Time: About 3 hours (including cooling)

Servings: Makes 12 bars (or more if cut smaller)

Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. You don’t need to roll dough or make a lattice. Just press, layer, and bake.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (3 sizes)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Pastry cutter or fork (for streusel)
• Apple peeler and knife
• Parchment paper (for easy lifting)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these apple pie bars from scratch. Exact measurements are in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Shortbread Crust

• Unsalted butter – melted, for that rich and crumbly base
• Granulated sugar – adds light sweetness
• Vanilla extract – just a splash to enhance flavor
• Salt – balances the sweetness
• All-purpose flour – spooned and leveled for accuracy

Apple Filling

• Apples – peeled and thinly sliced (use sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• All-purpose flour – helps thicken the filling
• Granulated sugar – for sweetness
• Ground cinnamon – classic apple pie flavor
• Ground nutmeg – adds warmth and depth

Streusel Topping

• Old-fashioned rolled oats – not instant
• Light or dark brown sugar – for that molasses flavor
• Ground cinnamon – for added warmth
• All-purpose flour – to hold the crumble together
• Unsalted butter – cold and cubed for a crumbly topping

Optional but Recommended

• Salted caramel sauce – drizzle over the top after baking, homemade or store-bought

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides for easy lifting.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the flour until combined. The dough will be thick.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then set aside.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, peel and thinly slice the apples (about ¼-inch thick).
In a mixing bowl, toss the apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Once the crust comes out of the oven, layer the apples evenly over it.

4. Make the Streusel Topping

In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to work the butter in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the streusel over the apples.

5. Bake

Bake the bars at 300°F (149°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and the apples feel tender when pierced.

6. Cool and Drizzle

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—about 2 hours at room temperature or 1 hour in the fridge.
Once cool, lift them out using the parchment, slice into squares, and drizzle with salted caramel sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with Ice Cream: Reheat a square and top with vanilla ice cream for an easy apple pie à la mode.
• Chilled for Snacking: Enjoy cold right from the fridge—they firm up nicely and are less messy.
• Holiday Dessert Table: Slice into small squares and serve with coffee or cider at fall gatherings.

Variations for Apple Pie Bars

• Use Different Fruit: Try pears, peaches, or even mixed berries.
• Add Nuts: Toss chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a different flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified GF oats.
• Salted Caramel Twist: Stir a bit of caramel into the apple mixture before baking for gooier bars.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Firm Apples: Softer varieties like Red Delicious can get mushy. Stick with Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady.
• Thin Slices Bake Best: Aim for even, thin apple slices (about ¼-inch) so they bake through without staying crunchy.
• Cold Butter for Streusel: Keep your butter cold when mixing the streusel. That’s what gives it a crumbly, bakery-style texture.
• Chill Before Slicing: These bars hold their shape best when fully cooled—especially if you want clean edges.
• Make Ahead: They store beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be made the day before your event.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 of 12 bars)
Calories	295
Carbohydrates	38g
Sugar	20g
Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	9g
Protein	2g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	95mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the crust and streusel, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a little extra chew.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What’s the best caramel sauce to use?
Homemade salted caramel is ideal, but a good-quality store-bought sauce works fine too. Just warm it slightly before drizzling.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the kind of treat that brings fall flavor to your kitchen all year long. They’re easy to bake, satisfying to share, and the kind of dessert people ask you to make again and again. From their buttery base to their gooey caramel finish, these bars are comfort food in every bite.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday spread or just craving something cozy on a quiet afternoon, these bars are a sure win. I’ve made them for potlucks, picnics, and rainy days at home—and they never stick around for long.