If you’re a fan of caramel, apples, and the rich, buttery texture of shortbread, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. Combining the sweet and tangy flavors of freshly baked apples with the rich, salted caramel drizzle and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are the ultimate indulgence for any occasion. Ready to dive into a recipe that’s not only delicious but also a perfect balance of flavors and textures? Keep reading to discover how you can recreate these mouthwatering Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars at home.
What are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delectable dessert that brings together the flavors of traditional apple pie with the luxurious richness of salted caramel, all on a buttery shortbread crust. These bars are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. Unlike a full apple pie, these bars are portable and easy to serve, making them a convenient yet indulgent treat for any occasion.
The recipe has three main components: a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping. Drizzled with salted caramel sauce, these layers come together to create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to make this incredible dessert.
Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Shortbread Crust:
- ½ cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (¼ inch thick)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup (43g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- ⅓ cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (31g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- ¼ cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Optional:
- Homemade salted caramel sauce or store-bought caramel sauce
Substitutions and Variations
One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility. There are plenty of ways you can tweak it based on personal preference or dietary restrictions. Here are a few substitution and variation ideas:
- Apples: Feel free to use any variety of apples you like. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp will give a sweeter flavor.
- Butter Substitution: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or margarine.
- Gluten-Free Option: You can easily make these bars gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
- Salted Caramel: If you prefer a sweeter caramel without the saltiness, you can use regular caramel sauce. Additionally, making homemade caramel adds a personal touch, but store-bought caramel works just as well if you’re short on time.
- Nut Addition: Add some crunch by incorporating chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the flour until the mixture forms a soft dough. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
While the crust is baking, peel and slice your apples into ¼ inch thick slices. In a mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure the apples are evenly coated in the dry ingredients to ensure a deliciously spiced filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, prepare the streusel by combining the rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut the cold butter into the mixture until crumbly. It should resemble coarse crumbs with some larger chunks of butter.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked shortbread crust. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Bake the assembled bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling with salted caramel sauce.
Step 7: Drizzle with Salted Caramel
Once cooled, drizzle the bars generously with salted caramel sauce. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top to enhance the caramel flavor.
How to Cook Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking these bars is a straightforward process, but there are a few key points to keep in mind to ensure the best results:
- Pre-baking the crust: This step is crucial to achieving a firm and buttery shortbread base. If you skip this step, your crust may turn soggy when layered with the apple filling.
- Even apple slices: Ensure the apple slices are all around the same thickness (about ¼ inch). This will help them cook evenly and prevent any overly soft or undercooked bites.
- Cold butter for streusel: The butter in the streusel must be cold when incorporated with the oats and flour. This helps create those delicious, crumbly clusters of topping.
- Cool before cutting: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to prevent the layers from falling apart.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not cooling the bars: If you try to cut into the bars while they’re still warm, the layers may not hold together well. Letting them cool fully allows the filling and crust to set properly.
- Skipping the caramel: While optional, the salted caramel is what takes these bars to the next level. Don’t skip it!
- Overcrowding the apples: Too many apple slices can make the bars soggy. Stick to the recommended two large apples to maintain the right balance between the filling and the other components.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
These bars are best served at room temperature or slightly warmed. If you want to take it up a notch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm, gooey apples combined with the cold ice cream make for an irresistible combination.
Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
To make these bars even more visually appealing, consider drizzling the salted caramel in a decorative pattern before cutting. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon. For an elegant touch, serve the bars on a wooden board with a side of extra caramel sauce for dipping.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Caramel Drizzle Control: If you want perfectly even caramel drizzles, pour the caramel into a squeeze bottle and apply it in a zigzag pattern across the bars.
- Store and Reheat: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that freshly baked flavor.
- Double the Recipe: If you're serving a crowd, feel free to double the recipe and bake in a 9x13-inch pan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. Wait to drizzle the caramel until just before serving to maintain the freshest texture.
What apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well for this recipe because they hold up nicely during baking without turning mushy.
Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars before adding the caramel sauce. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and drizzle with caramel before serving.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a must-try dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the indulgent taste of salted caramel. With a buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topping, they’re sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday or just treating yourself, these bars will satisfy every craving. Give them a try and prepare to fall in love with this irresistible recipe!
PrintSalted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, juicy apple filling with cinnamon and nutmeg, and a crumbly streusel topping. Drizzled with salted caramel sauce, they’re the perfect fall dessert. Enjoy the blend of sweet apples and a hint of salty caramel in every bite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust:
- ½ cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
Streusel:
- ½ cup (43g) old-fashioned rolled oats
- ⅓ cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (31g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- For the crust, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt together, then stir in flour. Press into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- For the apple filling, toss sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread over the pre-baked crust.
- For the streusel, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cubed butter. Mix with a fork and sprinkle over apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.
- Drizzle with salted caramel and cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Ensure apples are thinly sliced for even cooking.
- Best served slightly warm with extra caramel on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
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