Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine all the comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie with the convenience of a handheld treat. With a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crumbly oat streusel topping, these bars are finished with a luscious salted caramel drizzle for an extra layer of indulgence. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or as a sweet snack, these bars are easy to prepare, versatile, and sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, melted

For the Apple Layer:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
2 tablespoons brown sugar
4 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Topping:

½ cup oats
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 pan with butter and line it with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal.
Make the Crust:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the dough comes together. Use your hands if necessary to fully combine the ingredients. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing it with the back of an offset spatula. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and set.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar, sliced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Stir to coat the apples and cook until softened and the liquid has evaporated. Add a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and lemon zest. Let cool slightly.
Make the Streusel Topping:
In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a fork to mix until crumbly and evenly blended.
Assemble the Bars:
Spread the apple filling over the baked crust in an even layer. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, pressing down gently to ensure it adheres.
Bake:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown.
Cool and Chill:
Allow the bars to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight. This makes slicing easier and helps the layers set.
Cut and Serve:
Using the parchment paper overhang, carefully lift the apple pie bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into small bite-sized squares or larger portions, as desired. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Yield: 25 bars
Serving Size: 2 mini bars

Calories: 125
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 18mg
Sodium: 57mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 1g

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars deliver all the warmth and sweetness of a traditional apple pie in a more manageable form. Whether served as a dessert, snack, or holiday treat, these bars are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall. The buttery crust, spiced apples, and crumbly topping are sure to make this recipe a favorite for gatherings and celebrations alike!

What Makes These Bars Special

Handheld Convenience: Unlike a classic pie, these bars are easy to slice, serve, and eat without needing a plate or utensils.
Layered Flavors and Textures: The buttery crust, tender apple filling, and crunchy streusel topping create a delightful contrast in every bite.
Customizable Recipe: You can adjust the spices, sweetness, and caramel drizzle to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are equally suited for holiday parties, potlucks, or a cozy treat at home.
Rich Salted Caramel Drizzle: The final touch of salted caramel elevates the dessert, adding indulgence and enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples.

The Key Components of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

The Buttery Shortbread Crust

The shortbread crust serves as the foundation of these bars, providing a rich, buttery base that holds up well to the layers above it. It’s slightly crisp yet tender enough to melt in your mouth. The crust is pre-baked to ensure it doesn’t become soggy from the apple filling, making it a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture.

The Spiced Apple Filling

The filling is where the magic happens. Slices of fresh apples are cooked with butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. The result is a fragrant, tender filling that evokes the flavors of a classic apple pie. A hint of vanilla and lemon zest adds brightness, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the natural apple flavor.

The Crumbly Oat Streusel Topping

The streusel topping provides a delightful crunch, made with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter. It bakes to a golden-brown perfection, adding a contrasting texture to the soft apple filling. A touch of cinnamon ties it to the warm flavors of the filling.

The Salted Caramel Drizzle

No description of these bars would be complete without mentioning the salted caramel drizzle. This indulgent topping adds a luxurious finish, enhancing the sweetness of the apples while balancing it with a subtle hint of saltiness. It’s the perfect way to take these bars from delicious to extraordinary.

Customizing Your Apple Pie Bars

Choose Your Apples: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples work beautifully in this recipe. Use a combination for a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
Adjust the Spice Blend: Add or swap spices like ginger, allspice, or cloves to suit your taste.
Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust and streusel with a gluten-free flour blend.
Try Different Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Add Extra Filling: For a thicker apple layer, increase the number of apples and adjust the spices and sugar accordingly.

Pairing Suggestions

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are versatile and pair wonderfully with various accompaniments:

Warm Drinks: Enjoy these bars with a cup of hot cider, spiced tea, or coffee for a cozy fall treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich layers.
Breakfast Addition: Pair a small portion with your morning coffee or tea for a sweet start to the day.

Tips for Perfect Bars

Pre-Bake the Crust: Ensuring the crust is pre-baked helps maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Use the Right Pan: An 8×8-inch pan works best for this recipe. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal and slicing.
Slice Apples Evenly: Thin, even slices cook more uniformly, ensuring a tender and consistent filling.
Cool Before Slicing: Let the bars cool completely and chill them in the refrigerator before cutting. This ensures clean slices and helps the layers set.
Add the Caramel Last: Drizzle the salted caramel just before serving to keep it fresh and visually appealing.

Why These Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars strike the perfect balance between comforting and impressive. Their handheld nature makes them ideal for serving at large gatherings, and their rich, layered flavors ensure they stand out as a memorable dessert. They’re just as suitable for casual afternoons as they are for festive celebrations, offering a versatile option that works year-round.

From their buttery crust to their sweet and spiced filling, these bars capture the essence of fall in a way that’s both nostalgic and modern. They’re an excellent choice for showcasing the season’s flavors without the hassle of making a full pie.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a celebration of everything we love about fall desserts—warm spices, tender apples, and the rich indulgence of salted caramel. Their layered textures and vibrant flavors make them a standout treat for any occasion, while their easy preparation ensures you can whip them up without stress.

Whether served at a holiday table, enjoyed with friends over coffee, or savored as a solo indulgence, these bars deliver comfort and sophistication in every bite. Add this recipe to your repertoire, and you’ll have a go-to dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious.