Introduction

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect combination of buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and rich caramel drizzle. These bars capture all the flavors of a classic apple pie but in a convenient, handheld form. The contrast of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of salt in the caramel makes every bite irresistible.

I remember making these for the first time on a crisp autumn afternoon, and the aroma that filled the kitchen was pure comfort. The layers of tender apples nestled between a buttery shortbread crust and a crumbly topping make them absolutely irresistible. And that final drizzle of salted caramel? It ties everything together beautifully, adding just the right amount of decadence.

What’s great about these bars is how versatile they are. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, a cozy fall treat, or simply satisfying a caramel apple craving. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them on their own—either way, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Perfect for:

Fall and holiday baking
Potlucks and gatherings
Apple and caramel lovers
Make-ahead desserts
Easy handheld treats

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Here’s why Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will become a new favorite:

Buttery, Flaky Crust: The shortbread-style crust is rich, tender, and perfectly complements the apple filling.
Warm, Spiced Apples: A classic apple pie filling with cinnamon and nutmeg gives these bars that comforting, homemade taste.
Sweet and Salty Caramel: The drizzle of salted caramel balances the sweetness and adds a touch of indulgence.
Easier Than Pie: No rolling out pie dough—these bars are simple to assemble and bake in a pan.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or just a cozy night in.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 38g, Fat: 12g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

Apple Filling:

3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Crumb Topping:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Salted Caramel Drizzle:

½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
½ teaspoon sea salt flakes

Ingredient Highlights

Apples: Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet caramel, while Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness.
Shortbread Crust: A buttery and slightly crisp base that holds up well to the apple filling.
Crumb Topping: Buttery, sweet, and slightly crunchy, this topping gives the bars a signature texture.
Salted Caramel: The drizzle of caramel with sea salt enhances the flavors and adds a delicious richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix the Dough: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and salt until a dough forms.
Press into the Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to ensure an even layer.
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

Mix the Apples: In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and lemon juice until well coated.
Spread Over the Crust: Evenly spread the apple mixture over the partially baked crust.

Make the Crumb Topping:

Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until crumbs form.
Sprinkle on Top: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the apple filling.

Bake and Finish:

Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the apples are soft.
Cool Completely: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Add the Salted Caramel Drizzle:

Drizzle Caramel: Warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it over the cooled bars.
Sprinkle Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Here are some serving ideas:

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast.
With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
With Extra Caramel: Drizzle more caramel on top for an extra decadent touch.
As a Make-Ahead Treat: These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Additional Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Use the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well.
Chill for Clean Slices: If you want perfect squares, chill the bars before slicing to firm them up.
Make Your Own Caramel: Homemade caramel sauce gives the best flavor, but store-bought works fine.
Don’t Overbake: The bars should be golden but not too dark—overbaking can make the crust too firm.
Adjust the Salt: If you prefer less salt, reduce the sea salt flakes on top.
Store Properly: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Store Smartly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Recipe Variations for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Try these 10 variations to customize your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

Maple Pecan Apple Pie Bars: Add chopped pecans to the crumb topping and drizzle with maple syrup instead of caramel.
Pumpkin Spice Apple Pie Bars: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the apple filling for extra warmth.
Oatmeal Crumble Apple Pie Bars: Mix rolled oats into the crumb topping for more texture.
Almond Apple Pie Bars: Add almond extract to the crust and top with slivered almonds.
Cheesecake Apple Pie Bars: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the crust before adding the apple filling.
Gluten-Free Apple Pie Bars: Substitute gluten-free flour for the crust and topping.
Vegan Apple Pie Bars: Use dairy-free butter and coconut caramel for a plant-based version.
Chocolate Caramel Apple Pie Bars: Add chocolate chips to the crumb topping for a rich twist.
Spiced Rum Caramel Apple Pie Bars: Stir a splash of spiced rum into the caramel sauce.
Cranberry Apple Pie Bars: Add dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart contrast.

Freezing and Storage for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Freezing: Wrap cooled bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

8×8-inch or 9×9-inch Baking Pan
Parchment Paper
Mixing Bowls
Pastry Cutter or Fork (for the crumb topping)
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Wire Rack (for cooling)

Frequently Asked Questions for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Can I use a different caramel sauce?
Yes, homemade caramel sauce gives the best flavor, but store-bought works too.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays firm under the apple filling.
Can I use a different fruit?
Pears or peaches can be substituted for apples for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect blend of warm spices, sweet apples, and a buttery crust, all topped with a luscious drizzle of salted caramel. This irresistible treat captures the essence of a classic apple pie in an easy-to-serve bar form, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or simply indulging in a cozy homemade dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit.

This recipe is as delightful to make as it is to eat, perfect for everything from holiday feasts to casual afternoon treats. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them on the go for a taste of autumn in every bite.

I’d love to see how your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars