Name: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 large apples, peeled and diced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for apple mixture); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Jump to Recipe

These salted caramel apple pie bars are the perfect blend of a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, crumbly streusel topping, and a drizzle of rich salted caramel. They combine everything you love about apple pie in a convenient bar form, making them ideal for gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy dessert at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the flavors of classic apple pie with the ease of bars
Buttery shortbread crust that holds up beautifully under the apple filling
Warm spiced apples for a comforting and flavorful bite
Crunchy streusel topping for texture and sweetness
Salted caramel drizzle that elevates every slice
Easy to transport and share at potlucks or family gatherings
Can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor
Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
Works as both a casual dessert or a festive holiday treat
A crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like fall in every bite

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Rolled oats
Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust: Mix flour, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of the dish and bake for about 15 minutes.
Make the apple filling: Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Toss with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of flour. Spread evenly over the baked crust.
Prepare the streusel topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Allow to cool slightly before drizzling with salted caramel.
Slice into bars and serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 12–16 bars
Prep time: 25 minutes
Bake time: 45–50 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Use pears instead of apples for a twist on the classic.
Swap the salted caramel for plain caramel or chocolate drizzle.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
Incorporate dried cranberries for a festive holiday flavor.
Use gluten-free flour and oats for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds before serving.
For best texture, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Freeze (without caramel drizzle) for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make salted caramel apple pie bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and drizzle with caramel just before serving.

2. What are the best apples to use?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best since they hold their shape during baking.

3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely, store-bought caramel works well, but homemade salted caramel offers the richest flavor.

4. How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Pre-bake the crust before adding the apple filling to keep it firm.

5. Can these bars be frozen?

Yes, freeze without caramel drizzle, then thaw and add caramel before serving.

6. How do I cut neat squares?

Allow the bars to cool completely and use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

7. Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can slightly reduce sugar in the filling or topping without affecting texture too much.

8. What can I substitute for oats in the topping?

You can replace oats with chopped nuts or additional flour for a different texture.

9. Are these bars served warm or cold?

They can be enjoyed both ways, but warming enhances the caramel flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free butter and use a vegan caramel sauce.

Conclusion

Salted caramel apple pie bars are a delightful dessert that brings together the warmth of spiced apples, the crunch of streusel, and the indulgence of caramel in one irresistible bite. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply treating yourself, these bars capture the essence of classic apple pie while being easier to prepare and serve.