Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate fall dessert? These salted caramel apple pie bars combine the sweet and tart flavors of fresh apples, buttery shortbread, and a rich layer of salted caramel to create a treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because you want something amazing, these bars offer all the comforts of apple pie but in an easy-to-share format. Read on to discover how to create this mouthwatering dessert, and don’t miss the essential tips and tricks to get it just right!
What Are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?
Salted caramel apple pie bars are essentially a fusion of apple pie and caramel, baked into a convenient, handheld bar form. With layers of tender apples, buttery shortbread crust, and decadent salted caramel sauce, these bars have the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The combination of flaky, crumbly crust with juicy apples and a smooth caramel layer makes them irresistible. They’re simpler to make than a traditional pie but pack all the same flavor in a much more approachable format.
Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent the apples from browning)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumble Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
Substitutions and Variations:
Making salted caramel apple pie bars allows for a lot of creativity. Here are some substitution options to suit different dietary needs and preferences:
- Butter Substitutes: For a dairy-free option, you can substitute unsalted butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil. Just make sure the substitute is solid at room temperature for the crust and topping.
- Apple Varieties: You can use a variety of apples for this recipe, depending on the flavor profile you want. Granny Smith apples are tart, which balances the sweetness of the caramel, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples are sweeter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the bars gluten-free. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like vanilla extract and caramel, are also gluten-free.
- Caramel Sauce: You can always opt for store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time. Look for a high-quality salted caramel, or adjust the salt to your liking by adding a pinch of sea salt to a regular caramel sauce.
- Nut Additions: For a crunchy twist, sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or even slivered almonds on top of the bars before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making these salted caramel apple pie bars is easier than you think. You’ll start with a buttery shortbread base, add a delicious apple filling, and finish with a crumble topping and homemade salted caramel sauce. Here’s how to bring it all together.
How to Cook Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 cups flour and ¼ teaspoon salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
- While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In a medium-sized bowl, toss the diced apples with ¼ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor depth. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the crumble topping.
3. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. Be sure to distribute the apples in an even layer to ensure every bite gets a bit of apple goodness.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
5. Bake the Bars:
- Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before adding the salted caramel.
6. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Add 6 tablespoons butter, stirring until fully melted.
- Slowly pour in ½ cup heavy cream, being careful as it may bubble up. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon sea salt.
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overmixing the Crust: When making the shortbread crust, be careful not to overmix the dough. This can lead to a tough crust rather than the light, crumbly texture you want.
- Undercooked Apples: Ensure that the apples are cooked through by cutting them into evenly sized pieces. If the apple chunks are too large, they may not soften properly during baking.
- Burning the Caramel: Caramel can go from perfect to burnt very quickly. Keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts and be sure to remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches that golden amber color.
- Not Letting the Bars Cool: Patience is key! Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting into them, otherwise, they might fall apart, and the caramel won’t set properly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your salted caramel apple pie bars are perfectly baked and drizzled with luscious caramel, it's time to serve them up in style. Here are some tips to make your dessert look as irresistible as it tastes.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Room Temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature so that the shortbread crust remains firm and the caramel retains its gooey texture.
- Warm with Ice Cream: For a comforting dessert, warm the bars slightly in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Drizzle Extra Caramel: Before serving, drizzle more salted caramel sauce over each bar for an extra indulgent presentation.
- Garnish with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of coarse sea salt on top adds a finishing touch that enhances the flavors.
- Apple Garnish: Thin slices of apple fanned out on the plate beside the bar make for an elegant presentation, especially if you're serving guests.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips
- Pre-Cook Apples for Softer Texture: If you prefer a softer apple filling, sauté the diced apples in a bit of butter and sugar before layering them on the crust.
- Make Ahead of Time: These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze these bars! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can definitely use store-bought caramel sauce. Just add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
Q: What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
A: Tart apples like Granny Smith work great to balance the sweetness of the caramel. However, you can mix them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for a balanced flavor.
Q: How do I store the leftovers?
A: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you're feeding a crowd, you can easily double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
Conclusion
Salted caramel apple pie bars are a show-stopping dessert that combines the best flavors of fall into one easy-to-make recipe. With a buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced apples, and a drizzle of salted caramel, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or as a weekend treat, this recipe is a must-try. Now that you know all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get baking!
PrintSalted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful fall treat, combining the flavors of tart apples, rich caramel, and a buttery crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy dessert, this recipe is easy to follow and produces irresistible bars every time. With simple ingredients like fresh apples, sugar, and homemade salted caramel, it's a must-try for any apple pie lover!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a baking dish.
- Make the crust by combining flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Press into the pan and bake.
- For the filling, cook the sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until tender.
- Layer the apple filling over the baked crust.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt.
- Bake again until golden.
- Let cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use tart apples for the best balance of flavors.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
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