There’s something irresistible about the aroma of spiced apples baking in the oven. It evokes memories of cozy holidays, family gatherings, and that first warm bite of a fresh apple pie. But what if you could have all that magic in a handheld, easy-to-share form? That’s exactly what these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars deliver.
These bars take all the best parts of a traditional apple pie—the flaky crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and golden topping—and layer them into a bar format that’s both beautiful and practical. They’re easier to make, easier to serve, and just as delicious.
Perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or festive dessert trays, these bars are a modern twist on an old favorite. They capture the nostalgic flavor of homemade apple pie, but with a salted caramel upgrade that adds rich, buttery depth.
The base is a shortbread-style crust that’s sturdy enough to hold the juicy apples while remaining tender and buttery. The apple filling is layered generously on top, made with fresh, crisp apples and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
What really sets these bars apart is the crumble topping. Buttery, slightly crisp, and golden brown, it adds texture and crunch to each bite. And then there’s the salted caramel drizzle—luxurious, sticky, and just salty enough to balance the sweetness.
This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. The familiar apple pie flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser, while the salted caramel gives it a gourmet edge. It’s the best of both worlds.
Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dessert. These bars store well and even freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them now or later.
They’re also easy to pack and bring to a gathering. No forks or plates required—just slice, stack, and go. They’re a dessert you can take anywhere.
Want to make them a little healthier? You can easily substitute whole wheat flour, coconut sugar, or even add oats to the topping for extra fiber and flavor.
The balance of textures and flavors in this dessert is what makes it stand out. You get crisp crust, tender fruit, crunchy topping, and gooey caramel in every single bite.
And visually? These bars are stunning. The golden brown top, the visible apple slices, and the glossy caramel drizzle make them a showstopper on any dessert table.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because—it’s hard to beat the comfort and flavor of these salted caramel apple pie bars.
They’re everything you love about fall baking and then some. Easy to make, easy to love, and unforgettable in every way.
Once you try them, you’ll understand why this recipe has become one of the most requested in any dessert lineup.
Servings: 16 bars
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cool Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the apple filling:
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
For the crumble topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
For the caramel drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour to form the crust. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, toss apple slices with flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over apples. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool completely in the pan, then drizzle with salted caramel and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before slicing into bars.
Tips:
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Warm slightly before serving for a more pie-like experience.
- Add chopped nuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- All the flavor of apple pie in easy-to-eat bars
- Rich salted caramel twist
- Make-ahead friendly
- Portable and mess-free
- Great for holidays, bake sales, and gifting
Summary: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and gourmet flair. With layers of buttery crust, spiced apple filling, crunchy topping, and a caramel drizzle, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert for any season.
