If you're a fan of sweet, salty, and tart flavors all wrapped into one delicious dessert, you're going to love this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars recipe. These bars combine the classic flavors of a traditional apple pie with a modern twist – a buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and a rich salted caramel topping. Perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy autumn afternoon or a festive holiday party, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your household. Read on to discover how to create these irresistible bars step-by-step!

What are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful dessert made up of layers that mimic the components of an apple pie but in a more portable bar form. These bars feature a shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, a buttery streusel topping, and a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce. The saltiness of the caramel perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples and buttery richness of the crust and streusel. Each bite is a balance of sweet, salty, tart, and buttery goodness. Plus, they're much easier to serve than a traditional pie – making them ideal for parties and gatherings!
Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
To create these delicious bars, you’ll need three key layers: the crust, the filling, and the topping. Let’s break down the ingredients for each component.
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 3-4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for tartness)
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
Substitutions and Variations
These bars are versatile, and you can make a few substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust and streusel with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter in the crust, streusel, and salted caramel sauce, and substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the apple filling and caramel sauce by about 25%.
- Flavor Variations: For a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar in both the filling and streusel. You can also add a touch of ground ginger or cloves for a spicier kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let's get to the fun part – making these bars! Follow these steps to ensure a delicious outcome every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and thinly slice your apples. Granny Smith apples are perfect for this recipe because their tartness complements the sweet caramel sauce.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping
- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple filling.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before drizzling with salted caramel.
How to Make Salted Caramel Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide
While the bars are cooling, you can make the salted caramel sauce.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon. It will start to clump together before melting into a thick amber-colored liquid.
- Once the sugar has melted completely, carefully add the butter. The mixture will bubble up vigorously, but keep stirring until the butter is fully melted.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble again.
- Let the caramel boil for 1 minute before removing from the heat.
- Stir in the sea salt and allow the sauce to cool slightly before drizzling over the bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the crust dough: This can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Using the wrong apples: Apples like Red Delicious will become mushy. Stick to firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Not letting the bars cool before cutting: Be patient! If you cut them while they’re too warm, the bars might fall apart.
- Burning the caramel: Melt the sugar slowly, and don’t walk away. Caramel can burn quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir constantly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are ready, it's time to serve them in a way that impresses your guests.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Cut the bars into squares or rectangles once they have fully cooled.
- Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the top of each piece just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
- For an added layer of decadence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Elegant Plating: Place the bars on a dessert plate, dust lightly with powdered sugar, and garnish with a slice of fresh apple or a cinnamon stick.
- Family-Style Platter: Arrange the bars on a large platter with a bowl of extra caramel sauce in the center, so guests can drizzle as much as they like.
- Rustic Look: Serve on a wooden board for a rustic, farmhouse-style presentation, perfect for a fall gathering.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Chill the dough: If your kitchen is warm, you might want to chill the dough for the crust for 10-15 minutes before pressing it into the pan.
- Use a mandoline for apples: To ensure even apple slices, use a mandoline slicer for consistent results.
- Make it ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just drizzle with caramel sauce right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can! If you're short on time, a good-quality store-bought caramel sauce works well. However, making it from scratch gives a more authentic, rich flavor.
2. How do I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
4. What type of apples is best?
Granny Smith apples are the best for this recipe due to their tartness, which balances out the sweetness of the caramel. Honeycrisp apples are another great option.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect blend of buttery crust, spiced apples, crumbly streusel, and rich salted caramel. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. So go ahead – gather your ingredients and start baking! You’ll be the hit of any event with these irresistible treats.
PrintSalted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe
These salted caramel apple pie bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and homemade salted caramel sauce for a perfect fall treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Apples (peeled and diced)
- Salt
- Caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the shortbread crust, press into the baking dish, and bake until golden.
- Cook the apple filling with sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
- Pour the apple mixture over the baked crust.
- Drizzle salted caramel over the apple layer.
- Bake again until bubbly and set.
- Let cool before slicing into bars and topping with more caramel.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
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