Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re like me and love desserts that feel like a warm hug in every bite, you’ll absolutely adore this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of crumbly, buttery shortbread crust, juicy cinnamon-spiced apples, a crunchy oat streusel topping, and that gooey drizzle of salted caramel that just ties it all together. Trust me, this recipe isn’t just a treat—it’s a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each layer of this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe starts with simple ingredients that pack a punch when combined. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples really adds depth, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy warmth. Plus, the oat streusel topping gives a wonderful rustic crunch.

• Unsalted Butter: Use melted butter for the crust and cold cubed for the streusel to get the perfect crumbly texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and filling without overpowering.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the crust.
• Salt: A little goes a long way in balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the crust, filling, and streusel – make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy.
• Apples: I recommend peeling and slicing two large apples, about 3-4 cups total; using one tart and one sweet variety amps up the flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The spices that make apple desserts so comforting and delicious.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Gives the streusel its perfect chewy and crunchy contrast.
• Light or Dark Brown Sugar: Adds richness and moisture to the streusel topping.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: This is the magic finishing touch – you can use store-bought or homemade for that luscious drizzled goodness.

Variations

I love how flexible this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with tweaks to suit different tastes or keep it interesting—don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Add Nuts: My family goes crazy when I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the streusel before baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Use Different Apples: Mixing apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn changes the sweetness and texture profiles, so feel free to experiment.
• Vegan Version: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and choose a dairy-free caramel sauce, and you’ve got a plant-based treat.
• Spice It Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger alongside cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra warm spice note.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Crust

First things first, preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides so you can lift the bars out easily later – this trick saved me so many times from scrubbing the pan! Now, mix your melted butter with granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth, then stir in the flour. Press this buttery mixture evenly into your pan and bake for about 15 minutes until it’s just set but not browned. While it’s baking, you can prep your filling and streusel topping.

Step 2: Mix the Apple Filling

While the crust is warming up, toss your peeled, thinly sliced apples in a big bowl with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This coating helps thicken the juicy apples as they bake, preventing the bars from becoming soggy. You’ll notice your kitchen filling up with that amazing apple and spice aroma – it’s one of my favorite parts of the whole process!

Step 3: Make the Oat Streusel Topping

In another bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Then, cut in your cold cubed butter using a pastry blender, two forks, or even your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This streusel will bake into a crispy, chewy topping that adds the best texture contrast for these bars.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Now, crank your oven up to 350°F (177°C). Spread the apple mixture evenly over the warm crust—you might think you have too many apples, but pack them tightly and press them down gently to fit. Sprinkle the streusel all over the apples, then bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the streusel turns golden brown and the apples are bubbling with warmth beneath. At this point, your kitchen will smell like fall in a pan—a great excuse to sneak a taste while it cools.

Step 5: Cool, Chill, Cut, and Drizzle

This is super important: let the bars cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, then pop them in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight. Chilling helps the bars firm up and makes them easier to cut neatly. I usually slice into 16 small bars because everyone loves a bite-sized treat, but 12 bigger bars work great too. When you’re ready to serve, generously drizzle with salted caramel sauce and get ready for many compliments!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of adding a quick extra touch when serving these bars: a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle enhances the salted caramel flavor and delivers that irresistible sweet-salty combo. Sometimes, I top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert moment.

Side Dishes

These bars work beautifully alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or warm chai tea. If you’re serving them at a brunch, I like pairing them with creamy yogurt or a mild cheese platter to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try stacking the bars on a tiered dessert stand with little drizzle cups of caramel for guests to add more themselves. At holiday gatherings, I’ve laid out a “build your own” bar station with toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and cinnamon sugar—it’s a big hit and turns dessert into a fun interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to three days. Chilling helps keep them from crumbling and also makes them easier to slice if you plan to serve them later.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars quite often, especially when making large batches for holidays. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and drizzle with fresh caramel before serving.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, I find reheating a single bar in the microwave for about 20 seconds brings the flavors back to life without drying them out. If you’re warming a batch, cover loosely with foil and heat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts for everything from casual family dinners to holiday parties, and I honestly think it’s because of how comforting and versatile it is. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to wow guests. I hope you’ll give it a try and find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do – nothing beats the smile when someone takes that first, caramel-drizzled bite!

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