Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars are made with granny smith apples, brown sugar cinnamon oat streusel topping, and drizzled with easy homemade caramel sauce.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Today I’m so excited to be sharing the recipe for my Homemade Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, and trust me when I say you’ll want to make these delicious and easy caramel apple bars ASAP.

These delicious salted caramel apple pie bars are just like homemade apple pie except even easier to make!

And because they’re in bar form, they’re great for serving at parties, family gatherings, and for Thanksgiving dessert.

To learn how to make these easy salted caramel apple pie bars, keep reading for the full recipe below or watch my step-by-step video tutorial over here!

Don’t forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel for weekly recipe videos!

 

More Delicious Fall Desserts:

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Homemade Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Whenever the fall baking season rolls around, there’s a few flavors I just can’t resist.

This includes pumpkin spice, white chocolate-cranberry, and my absolute favorite – caramel apple.

And looking at these tantalizing photos right now sure makes me want to whip up another batch of these delicious salted caramel apple bars.

The slightly tart granny smith apples, brown sugar cinnamon oat streusel, and the sweet/salty flavor of the salted caramel taste so yummy together, and I love the fact that these homemade caramel apple pie bars are so easy to make.

And trust me, they will taste 10,000x better than any store-bought or pre-made apple pie.

 

Reasons You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

These apple bars are so decadent, delicious, and full of flavor.

Here’s just a few reasons you’ll love them:

 

The Delicious Flavor:

These apple pie bars feature a made-from-scratch buttery brown sugar shortbread crust, a sweet and tart apple pie filling with granny smith apples, a cinnamon and brown sugar oat streusel topping, and an easy homemade salted caramel sauce.

 

Easier Than Apple Pie: 

I’ll be the first to say it – making a homemade apple pie is not the easiest thing in the world, and it can also be quite time-consuming.

That’s where these salted caramel apple bars come to save the day!

They’re easy to make with basic ingredients and simple for even beginner bakers to prepare.

 

Great For Gatherings: 

This recipe makes the perfect amount of apple pie bars to fit in a 7×11 baking dish for a yummy weeknight dessert with family and friends.

Or you can easily double the recipe for a larger gathering for the holidays.

They’re also a total crowd-pleaser and you’ll for sure receive recipe requests!

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe – 4 Delicious Layers

These easy caramel apple pie bars come together quick and consist of 4 delicious layers.

This includes a simple shortbread crust, a cinnamon apple pie filling, a brown sugar cinnamon oat streusel topping, and the star of the show- homemade salted caramel sauce.

Below, I’ve outlined each layer and included some helpful tips and tricks!

 

Shortbread Crust

Instead of a traditional pie crust, these apple pie bars are made with a delicious and simple shortbread crust.

I highly recommend using a food processor/blender for this step.

You simply add all your ingredients in, and pulse a few times until you have a perfect, buttery, crumbly crust. It’s quick, easy, and mess-free.

This one is my absolute favorite and I use it for so many recipes!

 

Apple Pie Bar Filling

Forget canned apple pie filling!

You only need 2 large or 3 medium apples (I used granny smith), sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg to make your own delicious apple pie filling and it is so quick and easy to mix together.

Save time with this apple peeler and apple corer.

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Cinnamon Oat Streusel Topping

Apples are always made better with a brown sugar and cinnamon streusel topping, and this one also uses old-fashioned oats to add a delicious texture.

 

Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

Again, we’re going all homemade on this one and my delicious salted caramel sauce is easy to make!

You only need 4 simple ingredients and it can be prepared in just 15 minutes time.

This recipe does make a full batch of homemade salted caramel sauce, but leftover sauce can easily be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight mason jar for up to 1 month.

I always love keeping extra on hand in the fridge during the fall season for adding to desserts or snacks, but if you prefer you can cut the recipe in half for less leftovers.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars FAQs

 

Apples

What are the best apples for caramel apple pie bars?

Whenever I make apple desserts, I always like to use 2 different apple varieties such as granny smith and honey crisp for a balanced sweet and tart flavor.

However, in the case of these salted caramel apple pie bars, I prefer/recommend using all granny smith apples.

The tartness from the granny smith apples perfectly balances out the sweet caramel for an absolutely delicious flavor. They are also a firm apple so they will retain their shape when baked.

 

Here’s a list of the best baking apples for apple pie bars:

  • Tart apples: Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonathan
  • Sweet apples: Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious

 

Do I need to peel the apples?

It’s really up to your personal preference, but I personally do peel them.

 

Caramel Sauce

How can I ensure my caramel sauce doesn’t burn?
  1. Watch your caramel sauce closely! Every stovetop is different and although I’ve provided time estimates and what personally work for me and my stove, times can vary.
  2. Look for a golden amber color – usually this is a great indicator that your caramel sauce is ready and can be removed from the heat.
  3. Use an instant-read thermometer like this. I’ve found when the sauce reads at 350 degrees F it’s ready to be removed from heat.
Can I make less caramel sauce?

Yes, this recipe makes a full batch of homemade caramel sauce, but you will only be drizzling a portion on top of your bars (amount is to taste).

 

How do I store leftover caramel sauce? 

Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in a mason jar for up to 1 month, but if you don’t want leftovers, simply cut the recipe in half to reduce the amount.

 

Can I use store bought caramel sauce?

Yes, if you want to skip making your own caramel sauce, you can use store-bought, but it’s SO easy and delicious to make yourself, I’d highly recommend giving mine a try!

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Additions

Can I add nuts?

Yes! If you like a little crunch, add in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the streusel topping.

 

Can I serve with ice cream?

YES! These bars are decadent and delicious as is, but they’re AMAZING alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

 

Storage

How do I store salted caramel apple pie bars?

Store leftover caramel apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

 

Can you freeze apple pie bars?

Yes! Let the bars cool completely, wrap individually with plastic wrap, and place in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months total.
Once ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and re-heat in the microwave, if desired.

 

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars – Step by Step Instructions

If you want to learn how to make these delicious and easy salted caramel apple pie bars, then check out my full guide below with step-by-step instructions and photos.

I’ve also included a list of all the ingredients and recommend tools you’ll need below!

For specific amounts and to print/save this recipe, be sure and check out the recipe card.

 

Ingredients Needed
Tools Needed for Apple Pie Bars:

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Crust + Pre-Bake

First preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 7×11 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Next, make the shortbread crust by adding the flour, brown sugar, and butter to a food processor/blender.

Pulse a few times until the mixture becomes a crumbly dough.

Add the dough into the prepared pan and gently press evenly to reach all the edges to form your crust.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes or until the crust is a light golden brown.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Step 2: Prepare Apple Pie Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare your apple pie bar filling and streusel topping.

First core, peel, and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces.

I love using this apple corer and apple peeler to speed things up.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Place the diced apples in a mixing bowl and combine with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Step 3: Prepare Streusel Topping

For the streusel topping, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a mixing bowl.

Next, add in cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender, two forks, or your hands (my preferred method) and combine until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Step 4: Top Crust with Apple Pie Filling and Streusel + Bake

Once crust has baked, top with the apple pie filling until all the crust is covered.

Sprinkle evenly with the oat streusel topping.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Place apple pie bars in the oven to bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Step 5: Prepare Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce   

While the apple pie bars are baking, prepare your homemade salted caramel sauce.

First add sugar and water to a saucepan and stir until combined. Once incorporated, stop stirring and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble.

Once the caramel mixture starts to bubble, set timer for 8-10 minutes and let it simmer without stirring until the mixture turns a golden amber color or reaches 350 degrees with a digital thermometer.

***Please keep an eye on the mixture to ensure it doesn’t burn, as cooking times may vary depending on your stove.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Turn off heat and stir in butter until combined.

Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the room temperature heavy whipping cream until fully combined and mixture is a drizzle consistency. Stir in fine sea salt until combined.

Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling on top of apple pie bars.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Step 6: Drizzle Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Sauce 

Once fully baked, remove apple pie bars from oven and let cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack.

Once caramel has slightly cooled, drizzle the top of the apple pie bars with desired amount of the homemade salted caramel sauce and let it set up completely before slicing and serving.

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Store any leftover caramel sauce in a mason jar and refrigerate for up to 1 month. Caramel sauce can be re-heated in the microwave or on the stove until warm.

If desired, serve your salted caramel apple pie bars with vanilla ice cream and enjoy!

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe and Video Tutorial

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Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars are made with granny smith apples, brown sugar cinnamon oat streusel topping, and drizzled with easy homemade caramel sauce.

  • Author: Kindly Unspoken
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8-12 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale

Shortbread Crust

Apple Pie Bars Filling

Oat Streusel Topping

Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

Instructions

  • First preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 7×11 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Next, make the shortbread crust by adding the flour, brown sugar, and butter to a food processor/blender. Pulse a few times until the mixture becomes a crumbly dough.
  • Add the dough into the prepared pan and gently press evenly to reach all the edges to form your crust. Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes or until the crust is a light golden brown.
  • While the crust is baking, prepare your apple pie bar filling and streusel topping.
  • First core, peel, and dice your apples into bite-sized pieces. I love using this apple corer and apple peeler to speed things up.
  • Place the diced apples in a mixing bowl and combine with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
  • For the streusel topping, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a mixing bowl.
  • Next, add in cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender, two forks, or your hands (my preferred method) and combine until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  • Once crust has baked, top with the apple pie filling until all the crust is covered. Sprinkle evenly with the oat streusel topping and place in the oven to bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown.
  • While the apple pie bars are baking, prepare your homemade salted caramel sauce.
  • First add sugar and water to a saucepan and stir until combined. Once incorporated, stop stirring and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble.
  • Once the caramel mixture starts to bubble, set timer for 8-10 minutes and let it simmer without stirring until the mixture turns a golden amber color or reaches 350 degrees with a digital thermometer. ***Please keep an eye on the mixture to ensure it doesn’t burn, as cooking times may vary depending on your stove.
  • Turn off heat and stir in butter until combined. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the room temperature heavy whipping cream until fully combined and mixture is a drizzle consistency. Stir in fine sea salt until combined.
  • Let the mixture cool for 5-10 minutes before drizzling on top of apple pie bars.
  • Once fully baked, remove apple pie bars from oven and let cool in the pan on a wire cooling rack.
  • Once caramel has slightly cooled, drizzle the top of the apple pie bars with desired amount of the homemade salted caramel sauce and let it set up completely before slicing and serving.
  • Store any leftover caramel sauce in a mason jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 month. Caramel sauce can be re-heated in the microwave or on the stove until warm.
  • If desired, serve your salted caramel apple pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy!
YouTube video

Notes

Store leftover caramel apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Bars can be thawed in the fridge and reheated if desired.

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More Apple Desserts:

 


Who’s ready to make a batch of these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars? Do you love caramel apple flavored things too? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by! – Cara

 

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Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

Try these Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for a delicious fall or Thanksgiving dessert!  These caramel apple pie bars have a buttery shortbread crust and are made with granny smith apples, a brown sugar-cinnamon oat streusel topping, and are drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce. The most delicious apple pie bar you'll ever eat! #applepiebars #applepie #saltedcaramel #caramelapple #falldessert

11 Comments

  1. I followed this recipe 100% but my Carmel sauce burnt. I threw it out and used some Carmel ice cream topping from my frig. The bars are super sweet and tasty. I wish the instructions said 4-8 minutes for the unstirred part of the sauce in pan and I may have been watching it more closely.

    1. Sorry to hear your first batch burned, but I’m glad you enjoyed the taste of the bars! I’ll try to make a note of that in the instructions, but of course cooking times always vary depending on your stove/oven.

    1. Hi Jennifer! Most of the time if a caramel sauce isn’t turning out right, it’s because it wasn’t cooked for the full time. Make sure you bring the mixture to a simmer for a full 5 minutes (with stirring), then increase the heat and don’t stir for 6-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the mixture turns a deep gold/copper penny color. Once it’s turned in color, remove from heat and immediately add in your heavy whipping cream and butter. It should be a drizzle consistency once combined, and then you will need to let it cool for 10-15 minutes. I hope that helps and you’ll give it another try!

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