If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly blends the cozy flavors of fall with a luscious, gooey twist, you’ve got to try these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices tucked into a buttery crust, all topped with a crunchy, oat-streusel layer and drizzled generously with rich salted caramel. Every bite is like a warm hug, bursting with sweet, salty, and spiced notes that will have you coming back for more. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly approachable, making them ideal for both everyday treats and special gatherings.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated here — just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that each play a star role in crafting these irresistible bars. From the tender apples and warm spices to the buttery crust and crunchy streusel, each component adds to the beautiful balance of texture and flavor.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted + 1/4 cup cold, cubed): Provides richness to both crust and streusel, with cold butter creating that perfect crumbly topping.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp): Sweetens the crust and fruit filling while helping to develop an even bake.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, sweet aroma that enhances all the other flavors.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor, vital for an irresistible crust.
All-purpose flour (1 cup + 2 Tbsp + 1/4 cup): The sturdy base and thickener for crust, filling, and streusel, giving structure and bite.
Apples (2 large, peeled and thinly sliced): Fresh, crisp apples bring a juicy tartness that’s the heart of these bars.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp + 1/4 tsp): The quintessential spice that makes apple desserts sing.
Ground nutmeg (1/8 tsp): A subtle hint of warmth that rounds out the spice profile.
Old-fashioned rolled oats (1/2 cup): Adds a delightfully chewy texture to the streusel topping.
Light or dark brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Brings moisture and depth, creating a caramel-like sweetness in the streusel.
Salted caramel sauce: The crown jewel drizzle that transforms every bar into pure magic—use homemade or store-bought.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C) and lining an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on all sides to easily lift the bars later. Mix melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl, then stir in the all-purpose flour just until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the pan to form your buttery base. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15 minutes to set the crust, and as it bakes, you can get ready for the tasty layers to come.

Step 2: Toss the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, combine your peeled, thinly sliced apples with flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Toss everything well so the apple slices are liberally coated with spices and sugar, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and a lightly thickened texture.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour before cutting in the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry blender, two forks, or even your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This streusel topping will provide that coveted crisp, crumbly contrast to the tender apples underneath.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Turn your oven up to 350°F (177°C). Spread the apple mixture evenly over the warm crust, pressing the slices tightly together—that’s the trick to fitting them all in perfectly. Scatter the oat streusel evenly over the apples, then bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the streusel turns a beautiful golden brown. Once done, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring them to the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours or overnight, which helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cut and Drizzle

When ready to serve, lift the entire batch out using the parchment overhang and slice into 12 to 16 bars, depending on your size preference. The final flourish is a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce over each bar, adding that rich, gooey note that makes these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Garnishes

These bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to bring a cool contrast to the warm spices. Toasted pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle add extra layers of texture and flavor that will impress any guest.

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with a cup of spiced chai or a hot coffee for an ideal cozy afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, these bars complement savory dishes like crispy bacon or quiche, balancing sweet and savory notes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange these bars on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh apple slices and small jars of extra salted caramel for dipping. You can also serve them in individual glass jars layered with whipped cream for an elegant twist or pack them up as delightful grab-and-go treats for outdoor picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cut, place your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, and chilling helps firm them up for clean slices the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months, perfect for preparing ahead for busy weeks or holiday gifting.

Reheating

To enjoy these bars warm, thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat them in a microwave or oven at low heat until just warmed through. Be sure to add a fresh drizzle of salted caramel sauce after reheating for that perfect finishing touch.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for these bars?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully for balance, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji will also give a deliciously different flavor. Just make sure to slice them thinly for even cooking.

Is it necessary to chill the bars after baking?

Chilling helps the bars set up firmly, making them easier to cut and enhancing the melding of flavors. While you can enjoy them warm, refrigeration really brings out the best texture and taste.

Can I make the salted caramel sauce from scratch?

Yes! Homemade salted caramel is easy to make with sugar, butter, cream, and a pinch of sea salt. Making your own allows you to customize the salt level and richness, but store-bought caramel works well for a time-saver.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with similar baking properties. Just be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

What’s the best way to cut these bars without them crumbling?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For the neatest edges, chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. Slightly warm bars are delicious but can be a bit crumbly to cut cleanly.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a wonderful twist on a beloved classic, combining textures and flavors that sing with comfort and joy. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just to treat yourself, these bars are guaranteed to delight everyone lucky enough to have a bite. So roll up your sleeves, pull out those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a little taste of caramel apple heaven!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Elara
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars featuring a buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apple filling, crumbly oat streusel, and a generous drizzle of luscious salted caramel. Perfect for a comforting dessert or an indulgent snack, these bars combine classic fall flavors into an easy-to-make treat that can be served warm or chilled.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on all sides for easy removal. Set aside.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the flour and mix until just combined to form the crust dough. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until set but not browned. Remove from oven.
Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the peeled, thinly sliced apples with flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until all slices are evenly coated. Set aside.
Make the streusel: In a medium bowl, whisk oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry blender, two forks, or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Assemble and bake: Increase oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Evenly layer the apple filling over the warm crust, pressing down gently to fit as many slices as possible. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until streusel is golden brown and apples are tender.
Cool and chill: Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to set.
Cut and serve: Use parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 smaller bars or 12 larger bars, as preferred. Drizzle each bar generously with salted caramel sauce before serving. Bars can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Notes

Use sharp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balance of tartness and sweetness.
For a homemade caramel sauce, gently melt sugar and stir in butter and cream, then add a pinch of sea salt.
Press apple slices tightly to fit all filling in the pan; they will cook down and compact as they bake.
Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if enjoying warm.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American