Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Short description

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a simplified yet indulgent version of the classic apple pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, a crumbly streusel topping, and a rich drizzle of homemade salted caramel. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday desserts, or any time you crave cozy, comforting flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe captures all the beloved flavors of a traditional apple pie in an easy-to-make bar form. The layers of tender apples, buttery crust, and crunchy streusel are complemented beautifully by the luxurious salted caramel drizzle. These bars are perfect for slicing and serving at parties, and the homemade caramel adds a touch of elegance and indulgence. They store well and can even be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Prepare the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Add the flour and stir until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Apple Pie Filling

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

Prepare the Streusel Topping

Mix the oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.

Bake the Bars

Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for 40–45 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and the apple filling is bubbling. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in the cream (be cautious, as it will bubble up vigorously). Remove from heat and stir in the salt. Allow to cool slightly.

Serve

Drizzle the cooled salted caramel sauce over the bars before serving. Slice into bars and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12–15 bars.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per serving

Variations

• Nutty streusel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
• Different apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a more complex flavor.
• Spiced caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the caramel sauce for extra warmth.
• Mini bars: Bake in a smaller pan for thicker, more decadent bars and adjust baking time accordingly.
• Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream in place of butter and heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to refresh the texture. Salted caramel sauce can be stored separately and rewarmed gently before drizzling if needed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, but homemade salted caramel enhances the flavor significantly.

What are the best apples to use for these bars?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best for their texture and flavor.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, freeze the cooled bars without caramel drizzle for up to 2 months. Thaw and drizzle with caramel before serving.

How do I prevent the streusel from getting too dark?

If the streusel starts to brown too quickly, tent the bars lightly with foil halfway through baking.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 bars
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delicious twist on classic apple pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, a crumbly streusel topping, and a rich homemade salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall baking, holiday desserts, or cozy gatherings!

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Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

 

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

• Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
  Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Mix melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Add flour and stir until combined. Press the dough evenly into the pan and bake for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

• Make the Apple Pie Filling:
  In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

• Prepare the Streusel Topping:
  In a bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.

• Bake the Bars:
  Increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for 40–45 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the apple filling is bubbling. Cool completely in the pan.

• Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
  In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until deep amber. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in cream (it will bubble vigorously). Remove from heat and stir in salt. Let cool slightly.

 

• Serve:
  Drizzle the cooled salted caramel over the bars. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for more flavor.

• Salted caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

 

• Bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American