Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

There is something undeniably comforting about the aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and buttery pastry filling a kitchen. Growing up, apple pie was a staple in my household, making an appearance at every holiday gathering and cozy Sunday dinner. But let’s be honest traditional apple pie can be intimidating, especially for beginner bakers. Between making pie dough, rolling it out, and perfecting the filling, it requires time and patience. That’s why these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect solution. They capture all the flavors of a classic apple pie but in an easy to make, fuss free bar form.

These bars are great for anyone who wants a quick, delicious, and beginner friendly dessert without the hassle of rolling out pie dough. Plus, the combination of sweet apples, crunchy streusel topping, and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel makes this dessert utterly irresistible.

Why These Apple Pie Bars Are Special

This recipe is more than just a shortcut to traditional apple pie. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• No Pie Dough Required – The buttery shortbread crust comes together in minutes, eliminating the need for rolling and chilling dough.
• Beginner-Friendly – Simple layering and baking make this perfect for novice bakers.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The mix of sweet and tart apples, warm cinnamon, and rich caramel creates an incredible depth of flavor.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or an easy weeknight treat, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Understanding your ingredients helps you become a more confident baker. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Shortbread Crust

• Butter – Adds richness and structure. Use unsalted butter to control salt levels.
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps the crust hold together.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the crust.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives the crust structure while keeping it tender and crumbly.

Alternative: For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.

Apple Pie Filling

• Apples – The star of the show! Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady) apples for the best flavor.
• Flour – Helps thicken the filling so it isn’t too runny.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the apple flavor.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Adds warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.

Alternative: If you love extra spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.

Streusel Topping

• Oats – Adds a delicious texture and slight chewiness.
• Brown Sugar – Gives a caramel-like depth to the topping.
• Cinnamon – Complements the apples and adds warmth.
• Flour – Helps bind the topping together.
• Butter – Creates a crisp, golden-brown crumble.

Alternative: For a crunchier texture, add chopped pecans or walnuts.

Salted Caramel Topping

• Homemade or store-bought salted caramel – Adds a rich, sweet-salty contrast to the bars.

Alternative: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add flour and stir until combined. Press the dough evenly into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
While the crust bakes, peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, layering tightly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apples.

Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the streusel is golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to help the bars set.

Step 6: Cut and Drizzle with Salted Caramel
Once fully chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and drizzle with salted caramel before serving.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Choosing the Right Apples – A mix of sweet and tart apples creates the best balance of flavor. Avoid using overly soft apples like Red Delicious.
• Cutting Uniform Apple Slices – This ensures even cooking. Aim for ¼-inch slices.
• How to Tell When It’s Done – The streusel should be golden brown, and the apples should be fork-tender.
• Make-Ahead Tips – You can prepare and refrigerate the bars up to 3 days in advance or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them even more with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing.
• A dollop of whipped cream for extra lightness.
• A dusting of powdered sugar for a bakery-style presentation.
• A warm cup of apple cider for the ultimate fall treat.

Leftover Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Try It and Share Your Experience

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect treat for beginner bakers looking for an easy yet impressive dessert. With minimal effort, you’ll create a deliciously sweet, spiced, and buttery treat that rivals traditional apple pie.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Share your experience in the comments—did you add any personal twists? What did you pair it with? Let’s bake together and make every kitchen moment special.

FAQ About Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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