Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Easy Fall Dessert Idea

Introduction: Why These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Deserve Dessert Restaurant Status

You know that moment when the craving for apple pie hits but the thought of crust rolling sends you searching for something easier? That’s exactly where these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars come in. All the comfort of a homemade pie packed into a no-fuss bar that looks like it came out of a dessert restaurant kitchen.

Close-up of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars topped with golden crumble and caramel drizzle — Rich and gooey Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, layered with apple filling and buttery streusel

Jump to Recipe

This Caramel Apple Pie Bars recipe skips the stress of lattice crusts and delivers a buttery shortbread base, warmly spiced apple layers, and a golden oat crumble. And yes, a generous drizzle of salted caramel seals the deal.

Inspired by the original Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Sally shared on her blog, this version is ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or cozy nights when pie feels like too much. If you’ve been typing caramel apple bars into every search box each fall, your go-to recipe might just end here.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something sweet, this treat satisfies that classic apple pie flavor with half the effort. Simple, shareable, and just fancy enough to impress.

Ingredients for the Best Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Before you start layering, gather everything you need for these caramel apple bars. Each layer has a purpose, and every bite brings texture and warmth.

For the Shortbread Crust:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

For the Apple Filling:

2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup (43g) rolled oats
1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (56g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Topping:

Salted caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought

Close-up of homemade salted caramel sauce for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars in a green bowl with spoon — Rich, glossy salted caramel sauce perfect for drizzling over apple pie bars or fall desserts

This list keeps things classic, but leaves room for creativity. If you’re planning a caramel apple pie toffee bars variation, consider mixing in chopped toffee bits or crushed pecans into the streusel. For a gluten-free option, swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

What apples are best for these bars?

A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. Try combining Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This gives the filling more dimension and balances the sweetness of the salted caramel apple pie topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

You don’t need special tools or fancy techniques to make these caramel apple bars. Just follow the steps below and give yourself some chill time before serving.

1. Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy lifting. In a medium bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add flour and mix until combined. Press this into the pan evenly. Bake for 15 minutes. Set aside when done.

2. Make the apple filling

While the crust bakes, peel and slice your apples thin. Toss them in a bowl with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.

3. Make the streusel topping

In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or your hands until the mix looks like rough crumbs.

4. Assemble the layers

Raise the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Spread the apple filling evenly over the warm crust. It might look like too much, but press it down gently to fit. Cover the apples with the streusel mix.

5. Bake and cool

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the topping looks golden. Let the bars cool at room temperature for 20 minutes. Then chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

6. Slice and finish

Lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares. Drizzle each one with salted caramel before serving.

Can I make these in a 9×13 pan?

Yes. Double all the ingredients and pre-bake the crust for 18 minutes. The full bake time after layering will be closer to 45 or 50 minutes. This is perfect if you’re making apple pie bars in a 9×13 pan for a party or gathering.

Expert Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These bars may be simple, but small tweaks can make a big difference in texture and flavor. Use these tips to take your caramel apple bars from good to bakery-level.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars stacked on a plate with caramel drizzle and apple slices in background — Thick, gooey Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars layered with apples, crumb topping, and rich caramel sauce

Chill for cleaner cuts

Let the bars chill completely before slicing. This helps the layers set and keeps the bars from falling apart.

Use two types of apples

Mix sweet and tart varieties for depth. Try Fuji with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp with Pink Lady. This contrast keeps the filling from tasting flat.

Layer tightly

When adding the apple slices, press them down firmly. This helps them bake evenly and keeps the bars compact.

Don’t skip the parchment

It might seem like a small detail, but parchment paper with overhangs lets you lift the bars out cleanly. It also helps avoid sticking at the bottom.

For caramel flavor boost

Warm your salted caramel slightly before drizzling. This spreads better and soaks into the streusel topping.

What if my streusel feels too dry?

Add one extra tablespoon of cold butter and mix it in by hand. The topping should hold together slightly when squeezed but still break apart easily.

Make It Yours: Variations and Substitutions for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Baking should be flexible. Whether you’re working with dietary needs or looking for a twist on the classic, these ideas help you turn caramel apple bars into something uniquely yours.

Add-ins and Flavor Boosters

Toffee bits: Stir into the streusel for a chewy, candy-like texture. This transforms the bars into caramel apple pie toffee bars.
Chopped pecans or walnuts: Add crunch and nutty depth to the topping.
Bourbon splash: Mix a teaspoon into the apple filling for warmth and complexity.
Cardamom or ginger: Add a pinch with the cinnamon to bring extra spice.

Allergy-Friendly Tweaks

Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and streusel. Double-check oats are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-free: Swap butter for vegan baking sticks or refined coconut oil. Choose a plant-based caramel sauce to finish.

For Larger Batches

Want to make apple pie bars in a 9×13 pan? Double all the ingredients. Prebake the crust for 18 minutes and increase the total bake time to 45 or 50 minutes. Perfect for parties or bake sales.

Can I use store-bought crust or caramel?

Yes, if you’re in a rush. A premade shortbread crust saves time, and high-quality jarred salted caramel works well. Just make sure to warm it before drizzling for best results.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars FAQ

Still have questions about these caramel apple bars? Here are the answers to the things most home bakers ask before getting started.

How long do these bars stay fresh?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended. The skin can toughen during baking and affect the smooth texture of the filling. If you’re short on time, use a vegetable peeler for speed.

What is the best caramel to use?

Homemade salted caramel is ideal for flavor and texture, but store-bought works fine. Choose one with a smooth consistency and rich color. Warm it slightly before using so it drizzles easily.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, making these a day ahead improves the structure and lets the flavors blend better. Just wait to drizzle the caramel until right before serving.

Is this the same as Sally’s recipe?

This version is closely based on the popular Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Sally first shared, with added tweaks and flexible options for bakers who want to experiment or scale up.

Nutrition Info for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These caramel apple bars are rich and satisfying, so even a small square goes a long way. Here’s a general breakdown for one serving, based on a 16-bar batch. Values may vary depending on your ingredients and caramel choice.

Per bar (approximate):

Calories: 220
Fat: 10g
Saturated fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 90mg

If you’re using a homemade salted caramel with less sugar or swapping for vegan alternatives, totals may shift slightly. For a lighter version, try reducing the streusel or using less caramel on top.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars stacked on green plate with caramel drizzle and crumb topping — Golden layers of apple pie bars topped with salted caramel, stacked high for a picture-perfect fall dessert

Final Thoughts: Caramel Apple Pie Bars Worth Repeating

There’s something about the mix of buttery crust, tender apples, and salted caramel that feels like fall on a plate. These salted caramel apple pie bars take the familiar comfort of classic pie and turn it into something easier to share and even easier to love.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or just a quiet evening treat, this recipe delivers cozy flavors without the fuss. Once you try them, you might find yourself making them more than once a season.

If you do give them a go, feel free to tweak, drizzle extra caramel, or add your own twist. And when you do, come back and leave a note or share your version. Happy baking.

Love apple desserts? Try this Easy Apple Crumble Recipe next for another warm and comforting fall favorite.