Do Share Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe | Fall Dessert Idea

I made these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe recently, and I have to say they turned out better than I imagined. The first bite was like a warm hug: buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, crumbly streusel topping, and that luscious salted caramel drizzle tying everything together.

It felt like eating apple pie but in a fuss-free bar form. I love recipes that look impressive yet are simple to make, and these bars totally fit the bill. If you adore cozy fall desserts, this one’s going to become a favorite — or you can also enjoy something savory like this Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe for a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

Note: Serves several — about 12–16 bars depending on how large you cut them.

Shortbread Crust

½ cup (8 Tbsp; 113 g) unsalted butter, melted — gives a rich, tender, and buttery base.
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar — adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract — enhances the flavor and adds warmth.
¼ teaspoon salt — balances the sweetness and brings out the buttery notes.
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled) — provides structure to the crust.

Apple Filling

2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (¼ inch thick) — use one tart and one sweet variety for balance.
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour — helps absorb excess juice so the bars don’t turn soggy.
2 Tbsp granulated sugar — adds sweetness to the apple layer.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon — gives that classic apple pie warmth.
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg — adds depth and a subtle nutty aroma.

Streusel Topping

½ cup (43 g) old-fashioned rolled oats — adds a lovely chewy texture. Avoid quick oats for best results.
⅓ cup (70 g) packed light or dark brown sugar — gives caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon — ties all the warm flavors together.
¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour — provides structure to the crumble topping.
¼ cup (4 Tbsp; 56 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed — cold butter ensures a crispy, crumbly topping.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce — adds the finishing touch that makes these bars irresistible.

Variations

If you’d like to put your own twist on this recipe, try these options:

For a dairy-free version, swap in plant-based butter and use dairy-free caramel or coconut caramel sauce.
To make it lower in sugar, replace some of the granulated sugar with a monk fruit or stevia blend.
Add crunch with nuts — toss ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel.
For an extra fall flavor, mix in ½ teaspoon ground ginger or cardamom into the apple filling.
Want a fruit twist? Replace half the apples with firm pears for a pear-apple combo.

And if you enjoy balanced meals, you might love pairing this dessert after a hearty Grilled Steak Bowl with Creamy Sauce & Grilled Zucchini Recipe.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes + at least 2 hours of chilling time

Equipment You Need

8×8-inch square baking pan – gives the perfect thickness to the bars.
Parchment paper or foil with overhang – makes it easy to lift the bars out.
Medium mixing bowls – for mixing crust, filling, and streusel separately.
Pastry cutter or fork – for cutting butter into the streusel.
Sharp knife and cutting board – for peeling and slicing the apples evenly.
Cooling rack – helps cool the bars before chilling.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust

Start by mixing melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in the flour just until combined — don’t overmix. Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes until slightly golden and set.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling and Streusel

While the crust bakes, combine sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. In a separate bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour, then cut in the cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. The butter must stay cold for that perfect crumbly texture.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Once the crust is out of the oven, increase the temperature to 350°F (177°C). Spread the apple mixture evenly over the warm crust. Then sprinkle the streusel evenly on top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Once chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few personal tricks I’ve learned after making this recipe a few times:

I always slice the apples evenly—about ¼ inch thick—so they cook at the same rate.
Chill the streusel mixture for a few minutes before baking. It keeps the butter cold and results in a crispier texture.
I like using one Granny Smith apple and one Honeycrisp for the best balance of tart and sweet.
If I’m making homemade caramel, I prepare it the day before and warm it gently before drizzling.
For clean cuts, I chill the bars overnight. It makes slicing super easy without crumbling.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serve these bars chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warm. I love arranging them on a platter and finishing with a drizzle of salted caramel in a zig-zag pattern. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for that gourmet touch. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. They pair perfectly with hot coffee, apple cider, or spiced tea.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per bar (based on 16 servings):

Calories: 220–250 kcal
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 11 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage (Refrigerator)

Once the bars are completely cooled and cut, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for 4–5 days and actually taste even better as the flavors blend together.

Freezing

Freeze the bars without the caramel drizzle. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and drizzle with caramel before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy warm, heat the bars in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5–8 minutes, or microwave for 15–20 seconds. The streusel gets slightly crispy and the caramel melts beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

Easy and fuss-free: All the comforting flavors of apple pie without the hassle of rolling out dough.
Perfect for sharing: Sliceable, portable, and crowd-friendly — ideal for parties or potlucks.
Flavor explosion: Buttery crust, tender apples, spiced streusel, and gooey salted caramel in every bite.
Customizable: Easily adapt for dairy-free, sugar-free, or nutty versions to suit any preference.
Comfort in a bite: Warm, cozy, and full of fall flavors — these bars are guaranteed to lift your mood.

Making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars feels like a cozy ritual — your kitchen fills with the scent of cinnamon and butter, and the first bite is pure bliss. Whether you serve them for a family dessert or holiday gathering, they’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your dessert lineup.

Ben Carraoli