Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe for Fall Bliss

Sweet and gooey salted caramel apple pie bars dance between decadent dessert and pure comfort food.

Autumn’s crisp apples mingle with rich, golden caramel in this irresistible treat.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of grandma’s kitchen.

Layers of buttery crust cradle tender fruit beneath a silky caramel blanket.

Crumbly streusel topping adds delightful texture that makes each bite a celebration.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, these bars promise to become your new favorite seasonal indulgence.

Bake them once, and you’ll be hooked forever.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars You’ll Love

• Bake with Layers of Flavor: Indulge in a dessert that combines crisp shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping for a multi-dimensional taste experience.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a show-stopping dessert that looks complicated but comes together easily with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Celebrate Seasonal Sweetness: Showcase the best of autumn with fresh apples, warm spices, and a decadent salted caramel drizzle that makes every bite feel like a special occasion.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Bars: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want a dessert that serves a crowd and can be prepared in advance.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that provides a tender and flaky texture to the shortbread crust.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in achieving a golden-brown color.
• Flour: Creates the structure and provides a crumbly texture for the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the shortbread.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives a warm, aromatic flavor to the crust.

• Apples: The star of the recipe, providing a sweet and tangy fruit base.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, citrusy note.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and helps create a syrupy texture.
• Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the apple flavor.

• Flour, Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon, Salt: Create a crumbly, sweet, and spiced streusel topping.
• Butter: Binds the streusel and adds richness.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a smooth, creamy texture to the caramel sauce.
• Sea Salt: Adds a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Create the Buttery Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350F.

Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

• Butter
• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt
• Vanilla extract

Blend these ingredients until a smooth dough forms.

Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns a light golden color.

Step 2: Prepare Delectable Apple Mixture

• Apple slices
• Lemon juice
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

Gently toss the ingredients to ensure the apple slices are evenly coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 3: Craft Crunchy Streusel Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes delightfully crumbly.

Step 4: Layer and Assemble

Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the baked shortbread crust.

Sprinkle the crumbly streusel topping across the entire surface of the apples.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the assembled bars in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the apples become tender.

Step 6: Create Luxurious Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar until it transforms into a rich amber liquid.

Add butter and stir until completely melted.

Carefully pour in heavy cream, continuing to stir.

Remove from heat and add a sprinkle of sea salt.

Allow the sauce to cool slightly.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the decadent salted caramel sauce over the top.

Cut into square portions and serve to your eager guests.

Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Bars

• Use a sharp knife or mandoline to create uniform apple slices, ensuring consistent baking and a professional-looking dessert.
• Toss apple slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain their fresh color and prevent oxidation.
• Adjust sea salt quantity to personal taste, creating a perfect sweet-salty balance in the caramel sauce.
• Refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes before slicing to achieve neat, clean-edged squares that hold their shape.
• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Variations for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Apple Crumble Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend in crust and streusel. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe preparation.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Treat: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk for caramel sauce. Replace eggs with ground flaxseed or applesauce for binding.
• Low-Sugar Apple Dessert: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use fewer sugar amounts in filling and caramel sauce. Add extra cinnamon for natural sweetness.
• Nutty Autumn Version: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into streusel topping. Sprinkle additional nuts on caramel drizzle for extra crunch and rich flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Caramel Apple Party Platter: Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and extra caramel sauce for dipping. Guests can create their own dessert experience.
• Weekend Brunch Delight: Pair these bars with vanilla bean ice cream and a hot cup of cinnamon coffee. The combination creates a comforting weekend morning treat that feels indulgent yet homey.
• Gifting Sweet Moments: Package individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with twine. Add a small handwritten note for a personal touch, perfect for holiday gifts or neighborhood potluck contributions.
• Seasonal Presentation Trick: Dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with thin apple chip or candied walnut pieces. This elevates the visual appeal and adds extra texture to the dessert.

Storage Advice for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, warm gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

• Why use lemon juice with apples?

Lemon juice prevents apple slices from browning and adds a subtle tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the pie bars.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that hold their shape and provide a good balance of tartness and sweetness.

• How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel is ready when it turns a deep amber color and has a smooth, liquid consistency. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as sugar can quickly go from perfect to burnt.

• What's the purpose of the streusel topping?

The streusel adds a delightful crunch, extra sweetness, and textural contrast to the soft apple filling, creating a more complex and enjoyable dessert experience.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful salted caramel apple pie bars combine classic autumn flavors with irresistible sweetness. Buttery crust, spiced apples, and rich caramel create a memorable dessert that delights friends and family.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Sugars and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft the foundational shortbread base by blending butter, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla into a cohesive mixture. Press the dough uniformly into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes until edges turn delicately golden.
2. Prepare apple mixture by tossing sliced apples with lemon juice, then incorporate granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Ensure apples are evenly coated with the aromatic seasoning blend.
3. Create streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Introduce melted butter and mix until the texture becomes wonderfully crumbly and textured.
4. Layer the spiced apple filling across the pre-baked shortbread crust, ensuring even distribution. Generously scatter the streusel topping across the apple layer, covering the surface completely.
5. Return the assembled dish to the 350F oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until the topping transforms into a rich golden brown and apples become tender and fragrant.
6. Craft salted caramel sauce by gradually melting granulated sugar until it reaches a deep amber color. Incorporate butter, stirring until fully integrated. Carefully introduce heavy cream, continuing to stir. Remove from heat, season with sea salt, and allow slight cooling.
7. After complete cooling, artfully drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the baked bars. Slice into elegant squares and serve.

Notes

• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture in your bars.
• Ensure butter is at room temperature for the crust to achieve a smooth, easy-to-press consistency.
• Toast the streusel topping ingredients briefly before mixing to enhance the nutty, caramelized flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour in both the crust and streusel layers.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 307
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 88 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg