Name: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (1/4 inch thick), about 3-4 cups; 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup (43g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats; 1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; Homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce for drizzling

If you’re craving something that perfectly balances cozy autumn flavors with a luscious twist, you’re going to want to try this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars combine tender, buttery shortbread crust with warm spiced apple filling and a crunchy streusel topping—all drizzled with rich salted caramel. Whether you want a sweet treat for your afternoon coffee or a crowd-pleasing dessert for the holidays, these bars deliver on all fronts.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Flavor Combo: The blend of tart and sweet apples with cinnamon and nutmeg is like a hug in dessert form.
Easy to Make: The layered approach means you prep parts at the same time—great for multitasking in the kitchen.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars hold up beautifully in the fridge and even freeze well for busy days.
Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these bars—they’re sweet, salty, and ridiculously addicting.

Two stacked dessert bars sit on crinkled brown parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three clear layers: the bottom layer is a solid light tan crust, the middle layer is a soft apple filling with visible thin slices, and the top layer is a crumbly, golden-brown streusel with small chunks and a rough texture. Rich caramel sauce is drizzled thickly over the top layer, slowly dripping down the sides and pooling slightly on the parchment below. The background is softly blurred, showing parts of a white plate and a red and white checkered cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, apple pie bars with salted caramel, easy caramel apple dessert, autumn apple bar recipe, caramel apple dessert bars

Ingredients You’ll Need

I really appreciate how straightforward the ingredient list is for this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe. Each part plays a purpose: the crust is buttery and crisp, the filling warm and flavorful, and the streusel adds that perfect crumbly finish. Be sure to pick good-quality apples and a caramel sauce you love, whether homemade or store-bought—it’ll make all the difference.

Flat lay of two crisp apples—one bright green Granny Smith and one rosy pink Lady—thinly sliced to show their juicy, fresh texture, rustic rolled oats scattered nearby with their rough, coarse surface, soft cubes of pale yellow cold butter contrasting with a small mound of light and dark golden brown sugar crystals, a heap of warm brown cinnamon powder with its fine, dusty texture, delicate specks of nutmeg, and a small drizzle of glossy, rich amber caramel sauce pooling slightly, all beautifully arranged in a natural, effortless style with overlapping layers and gentle shadows, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, apple pie bars with salted caramel, easy caramel apple dessert, autumn apple bar recipe, caramel apple dessert bars

Unsalted butter: Melted for the crust and cold, cubed for the streusel to get that perfect crumbly texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to the crust and apple filling without overpowering.
Pure vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor of the crust subtly but beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
All-purpose flour: The base for the crust, filling coating, and streusel—key to structure and texture.
Apples: Choose a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Pink Lady for a complex, bright flavor.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic spices give the filling that warm autumn vibe.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: Add chewiness and texture in the streusel topping.
Light or dark brown sugar: Deep, molasses-y sweetness for the streusel.
Salted caramel sauce: The star finish that brings everything together with its glorious sweet-and-salty punch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love giving this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe my own little twists, and you should too! Play around with the apple types or streusel toppings to cater to what you have on hand or what flavors you prefer. Each variation can bring a different but still delicious spin.

Apple Varieties Mix: I often use Granny Smith with Pink Lady apples, but swapping in Fuji or Honeycrisp adds sweetness and a crunchier bite.
Nut Topping: For some extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the streusel before baking. My family adores this crunchy upgrade.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and check your caramel sauce to make this SAFE for everyone.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the filling spices for a little extra warmth and holiday cheer.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C)—this lower temp lets the crust bake without browning too fast. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides. This helps you lift the bars out easily later, which is a game changer when cutting perfect pieces.

Step 2: Make and Bake the Shortbread Crust

Mix together the melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt first—this makes the crust wonderfully flavorful. Add the flour last and stir until just combined; over mixing can make it tough. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until it’s just set and starting to turn golden on the edges. This step sets a sturdy base that won’t get soggy beneath the apple layer.

Step 3: Toss Your Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, combine thinly sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The flour helps thicken the juices the apples release while baking so the filling isn’t runny. Make sure each apple slice is well coated, which makes every bite perfectly spiced.

Step 4: Whip Up the Streusel Topping

Mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a bowl. Cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some small pea-sized bits—that’s what gives the streusel its texture. Keep it chilled until ready to sprinkle on top.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Turn the oven up to 350°F (177°C) once your crust is out. Layer the apple filling evenly on the warm crust, pressing down gently because it looks like a mountain at first but fits perfectly when compacted. Top with the streusel and bake for 30–35 minutes until the streusel turns golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when that delicious aroma fills your kitchen and the top is crisp.

Step 6: Cool, Chill, Cut, and Drizzle

Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, then chill them in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight if you can wait that long (I never can!). Use the parchment overhang to lift the whole slab out of the pan and cut into bars—either 12 larger or 16 smaller pieces. The final touch? Drizzle each bar with salted caramel sauce for that irresistible sweet-and-salty finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Choose Your Apples Wisely: Mixing tart and sweet apples gives the perfect balance; too sweet and it gets cloying, too tart and it’s overpowering.
Don’t Overmix the Crust: Overworking the dough can make it tough—just stir until combined and press firmly.
Press Apples Down: The apple layer might seem thick, but pressing them helps the bars bake evenly without giant air pockets.
Chill Before Cutting: Chilling solidifies the layers and makes clean, pretty bars instead of crumbly slices.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and just drizzle with homemade salted caramel sauce, but if I’m feeling fancy, a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top really makes those flavors sing. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is always welcome in my kitchen—it melts just right against the warm bars.

Side Dishes

These bars shine as dessert but can also pair delightfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. I’ve also enjoyed them with a simple green salad when serving as an afternoon treat to balance rich and fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like stacking the bars on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra caramel sauce and fresh apple slices. Adding edible flowers or a sprig of fresh mint on each bar adds an elegant touch that guests always compliment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I keep these bars in an airtight container in the fridge—they last about three days and still taste as fresh as day one. If you want to enjoy them at room temp, just take them out about 30 minutes before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to three months with great results. When it’s time to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’re just like freshly made.

Reheating

To warm up chilled bars, I pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to refresh that crisp crust and melt the caramel drizzle slightly. This brings back that just-baked magic, but you can also enjoy them cold or at room temp depending on your mood.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! Mixing tart and sweet apples is ideal for flavor balance, but you can use all one type if needed. Just try to choose apples that hold their shape well during baking, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce?

Either works wonderfully! Homemade caramel lets you control sweetness and saltiness, but a quality store-bought caramel can save time and still add that indulgent finish.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Swap butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a vegan caramel sauce or date caramel drizzle. Keep in mind texture might vary slightly, but it’s still tasty.
How do I cut the bars cleanly without crumbling?

Chill the bars thoroughly before cutting—this firms everything up. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for tidy slices.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe is one that holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s comfort food with a bit of elegant flair. I love sharing it with friends and family, especially when the caramel drizzle melts over warm apple bars, creating a taste explosion every time. Give it a go—you might just find yourself making these bars your new seasonal favorite, too!