Salted caramel apple pie bars are a delicious, handheld twist on traditional apple pie, with a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, all drizzled with rich salted caramel. These bars are easy to make, slice beautifully, and bring out the warm flavors of fall in every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a sweet, comforting treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite.

In this guide, we’ll go over how to make salted caramel apple pie bars, including tips for a flaky crust, spiced filling, and homemade salted caramel.

---

1. Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious, layered apple pie bars:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
• Sugar – 1/2 cup
• All-Purpose Flour – 2 cups
• Salt – 1/4 teaspoon

For the Apple Filling:

• Apples – 3 large (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
• Sugar – 1/4 cup
• Brown Sugar – 1/4 cup (for added richness)
• Ground Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Ground Nutmeg – 1/4 teaspoon
• Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon (to keep apples from browning)

For the Streusel Topping:

• Oats – 1/2 cup
• All-Purpose Flour – 1/3 cup
• Brown Sugar – 1/3 cup
• Butter – 1/4 cup (1/2 stick), melted
• Salt – a pinch

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• Granulated Sugar – 1 cup
• Butter – 6 tablespoons, cubed
• Heavy Cream – 1/2 cup
• Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)

---

2. Step-by-Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Follow these steps to make buttery, caramel-drizzled apple pie bars:

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly.
2. Set aside and let the apples soak up the flavors while the crust finishes baking.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until it forms a crumbly texture.
2. Set aside to sprinkle over the apple layer.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Remove the baked crust from the oven and evenly spread the apple filling over the warm crust.
2. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, making sure to cover them evenly.
3. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will clump up and then melt into a deep amber liquid.
2. Once melted, carefully add the cubed butter and whisk until combined (it will bubble up).
3. Slowly add the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the salt.
4. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes before drizzling over the bars.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

1. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
2. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce just before serving for a gorgeous finish. Enjoy these sweet, spiced treats!

---

3. Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

3.1 Use Firm, Tart Apples

Granny Smith apples work well for these bars as they hold their shape and add a nice tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel.

3.2 Let the Caramel Cool Slightly Before Drizzling

Letting the caramel cool for a few minutes will help it thicken, making it easier to drizzle and creating a beautiful presentation.

3.3 Allow the Bars to Set Before Cutting

Cool the bars fully before slicing to ensure clean, even cuts. The caramel will set as it cools, making the bars easier to handle.

3.4 Line the Pan with Parchment Paper

Lining the pan with parchment paper allows you to lift the bars out easily, making slicing and serving a breeze.

---

4. Flavor Variations

4.1 Pecan Crumble Apple Bars

Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans to the streusel topping for a nutty crunch that complements the caramel and apples.

4.2 Maple Caramel Apple Bars

Replace the salted caramel with a maple caramel sauce by adding 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup to the caramel sauce.

4.3 Pumpkin Spice Apple Bars

Add a pinch of ground cloves and ginger to the apple filling for a pumpkin spice twist that brings out warm fall flavors.

4.4 Coconut Apple Bars

Add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the streusel topping for a subtle tropical flavor that pairs well with the caramel.

---

5. Serving Suggestions

These salted caramel apple pie bars are rich and decadent, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some pairing ideas:

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.
• With Coffee or Hot Cider: These bars pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or spiced hot cider for a cozy treat.
• On a Dessert Platter: Serve these bars on a dessert platter with brownies, cookies, or other bite-sized treats for variety.

---

6. Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to bring back their warmth and gooey caramel drizzle.

---

7. Making Ahead for Gatherings

Salted caramel apple pie bars can be made in advance for easy serving at holiday gatherings or parties:

1. Prepare the Bars: Bake the bars as directed, let them cool, and store them covered at room temperature.
2. Make the Caramel Sauce Separately: Prepare the caramel sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before drizzling over the bars when ready to serve.

---

FAQ

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce can be used for convenience. Warm it slightly before drizzling for the best consistency.

2. Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn work well alongside Granny Smith.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free.

4. Can I make these bars dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter, and coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the caramel.

5. Can I freeze salted caramel apple pie bars?

Yes, freeze the cooled bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and add caramel before serving.

6. How can I keep the crust from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the shortbread crust ensures it stays firm and crispy under the apple filling.

7. Can I add nuts to the crust?

Yes! Adding 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, to the crust dough adds a delicious, nutty flavor.

8. How do I prevent the caramel from crystallizing?

Stir the caramel sauce continuously as it melts, and avoid cooking at too high of a temperature.

9. Can I make this with premade pie crust?

Yes, though the texture will be different. A homemade shortbread crust provides a buttery, crumbly base that’s ideal for these bars.

10. How should I serve these for a holiday party?

Serve on a platter with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt or a cinnamon stick for a festive presentation.

---

Salted caramel apple pie bars are a delicious blend of buttery shortbread, spiced apples, crumbly streusel, and rich salted caramel. With all the warmth and flavor of apple pie in a convenient, handheld bar, these treats are sure to delight family and friends alike. Enjoy this festive and flavorful dessert!