Apple Pie Bars with Salted Caramel Recipe

If you love cozy desserts that combine the best of fall flavors and indulgent sweetness, you are going to flip for this Apple Pie Bars with Salted Caramel Recipe. I absolutely love how these bars come together – with a buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced apples, a crunchy streusel topping, and that luscious homemade salted caramel drizzled all over. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again for family and friends. It’s like having apple pie in bar form but with that extra wow factor of salted caramel – total game changer!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays its role in creating that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Picking fresh apples is key — I recommend a mix of tart and sweet apples to get a nuanced filling that’s not too sugary or bland.

• Granulated white sugar: Essential for that classic caramel flavor; patience is key when melting it properly.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps balance the sweetness; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Heavy cream: Use at room temperature for smooth, creamy caramel.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both caramel and crust.
• Salt: I like ¼ to ½ teaspoon of sea salt in the caramel for that signature salted caramel flavor.
• Brown sugar: Gives moisture and a hint of molasses to the crust and streusel, adding complexity.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your crust and streusel — spooned and leveled to avoid dense results.
• Apples: Peeled and diced; a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works wonderfully.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and cloves: Classic fall spices for that cozy apple pie vibe.

Variations

I love that this Apple Pie Bars with Salted Caramel Recipe is so versatile — whether you want it a little lighter, gluten-free, or extra gooey, you can tweak it to your heart’s content.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. It changes the texture slightly but still delicious.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream and butter. The caramel will be slightly different but still amazing.
• Apple Variations: Swap some apples for pears for a twist or add dried cranberries for a festive touch.
• Extra Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping for a pleasant crunch.

How to Make Apple Pie Bars with Salted Caramel Recipe

Step 1: Craft the Silky Salted Caramel Sauce

Start by gently melting the granulated sugar over medium-low heat in a saucepan. This step takes patience — you’ll notice the sugar clumping, then slowly turning into a golden amber liquid. When mostly melted but a few crystals remain, lower the heat so it doesn’t burn. This took me around 20 minutes my first time, so don’t rush. Right after all sugar melts, stir in softened butter quickly, then the room-temp heavy cream, and finally vanilla and salt. If you see the mixture separating, boost the heat to medium-low and stir vigorously — I discovered this trick after one caramel mishap! Once smooth, let it simmer for a few minutes, then cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Build the Buttery Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F and prep your 9×9 pan with greasing and parchment paper on the bottom and sides (trust me, it makes slicing so much easier). Cream together softened butter with brown and white sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy — this usually takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. Add vanilla for that subtle aroma boost, then stir in the flour and salt on low speed until crumbly. Press this dough evenly into your pan; don’t skimp on this step because a flat, compact crust bakes best. Bake for 12-15 minutes until it’s lightly golden — your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!

Step 3: Whip Up the Crunchy Streusel Topping

While your crust is baking, beat together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then add flour, salt, and cinnamon, mixing on low speed until you get those lovely large crumbs. Pop this mixture into the freezer to keep it chilled while you prep the apples — this helps the streusel hold its shape and stay crumbly after baking.

Step 4: Simmer the Spiced Apple Filling

Toss peeled, diced apples with half your salted caramel sauce and all the warming spices in a saucepan. Cook them covered over medium heat until tender, about 16-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so no pieces stick or cook unevenly. When finished, let the filling cool for about 10 minutes — this step helps the bars hold together better after baking.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Apple Pie Bars

Preheat the oven again to 375°F. Pour the cooled apple filling over your baked shortbread crust, then sprinkle the frozen streusel topping evenly on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the streusel is beautifully golden and crisp. Let the whole pan cool on a wire rack for about two hours — I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but this waiting makes slicing cleaner and the flavors meld even better. Finally, cut into 16 squares, drizzle extra caramel over the top, and prepare for some serious compliments!

How to Serve Apple Pie Bars with Salted Caramel Recipe

Garnishes

I often top these bars with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream — it melts slightly and blends wonderfully with the warm caramel. If you want a more festive touch, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle to boost that salted caramel contrast even more.

Side Dishes

For a cozy get-together, I like pairing these bars with a warm cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider. If you’re serving them at a brunch, fresh whipped cream and a crisp green salad balance the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a holiday party, I arranged the bars on a rustic wooden board with jars of caramel sauce and whipped cream nearby so guests could help themselves. You could also quarter the bars and serve them on small plates with a sprig of fresh mint or cinnamon sticks for a charming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, but honestly, they rarely last that long! Refrigerating them extends freshness for about 4 days — just make sure to bring them to room temp before serving so the flavors shine.

Freezing

I like to freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab as many as you want without them sticking together. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the bars in the oven at 300°F for 10-12 minutes. This refreshes their texture without drying them out. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving for 20-30 seconds works too, but I prefer the oven method for that just-baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Bars with Salted Caramel Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it brings together so many delightful flavors in a handy bar form. It’s like comfort in every bite with a little extra flair thanks to the caramel. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, a cozy family dessert, or treating yourself after a long day, you’ll find this recipe a dependable crowd-pleaser that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Print