Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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If fall had a flavor, it would be captured perfectly in these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Imagine layers of tender spiced apples nestled between a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, crumbly oat topping—all brought together with a generous drizzle of gooey salted caramel. They’re everything you love about a classic apple pie but in bar form, making them much easier to slice, serve, and enjoy.

These bars bring a cozy twist to traditional desserts, making them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or an indulgent weekend treat. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge, each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and salty.

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Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

These bars deliver all the comfort and flavor of apple pie with half the effort. You don’t need to worry about rolling out pie dough or dealing with a fussy lattice top. The shortbread crust forms a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base, while the crisp oat topping adds texture and crunch. The salted caramel not only heightens the sweetness but also balances it with a savory kick that keeps you coming back for more.

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What Kind of Apples Should I Use for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith are a fantastic choice for this recipe. Their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel and the buttery layers. However, you can mix in a sweeter variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added depth and complexity. The key is using apples that hold their shape while baking to avoid a mushy filling.

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Ingredients for the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Every component of these bars plays a vital role, from texture to flavor harmony.

All-Purpose Flour – Forms the sturdy foundation of the shortbread crust and oat topping.

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture, binding the crust and topping layers.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the shortbread and balances the tang of the apples.

Brown Sugar – Deepens the flavor with molasses notes, used in both apple filling and topping.

Rolled Oats – Create a deliciously crumbly, toasty topping.

Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Bring warm, spiced depth to the apple layer.

Apples (Granny Smith + Honeycrisp) – A balance of tart and sweet, sliced thin for even baking.

Cornstarch – Thickens the apple filling for sliceable bars.

Salted Caramel Sauce – The star topping that pulls it all together with salty-sweet magic.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor and adds complexity.

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How To Make the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Combine flour, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the dough firmly into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and slice the apples thinly. Toss them in a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Set aside to let the flavors blend.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

Mix oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and cold butter in a bowl. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to create a crumbly texture.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust. Top with the crumb topping. Increase oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Step 5: Drizzle with Salted Caramel

Cool bars completely. Once set, drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce before slicing into squares.

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How to Serve and Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These bars feed approximately 12 people, making them perfect for sharing. Serve them slightly warm with ice cream for a comforting dessert, or enjoy them chilled for a firm, chewy texture.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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What to Serve With Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A classic pairing that complements the warm spices and balances the sweetness.

Fresh Whipped Cream

Light and airy, perfect for cutting through the richness of the caramel.

Hot Apple Cider

A cozy beverage to echo the apple flavors in the bars.

Chai Latte

Spiced tea brings an aromatic twist that enhances every bite.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

It may sound surprising, but a thin slice adds a savory contrast that’s old-school delicious.

Toasted Pecans

Sprinkle on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor boost.

Coffee or Espresso

Deep roasted notes pair beautifully with the caramel and cinnamon.

Spiced Rum or Bourbon

For an adult dessert moment, a small sip of spiced liquor goes wonderfully with the rich flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, absolutely. While homemade caramel has a richer flavor, store-bought salted caramel works well and saves time.

2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

3. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust is essential. Also, make sure your apple mixture isn’t overly juicy.

4. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, pears or even peaches work well. Just be sure to adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s sweetness.

5. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples helps create a smooth texture. However, leaving the peels on adds extra fiber and a bit more texture if that’s your preference.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a twist like pecans or swap the apples? Maybe you made your own caramel?
I love hearing how others make these bars their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delicious, portable twist on a timeless dessert. They capture everything we love about fall: warm spices, crisp apples, and buttery goodness—topped with that indulgent salted caramel drizzle. Make them once, and they’re bound to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen. Whether for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just because, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

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