Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
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.
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:
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!
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.
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.
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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.
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
- 2-3 Apples (I recommend Granny Smith)
- All-Purpose Flour
- Light Brown Sugar
- Unsalted Butter
- Granulated Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon
- Ground Nutmeg
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
- Fine Sea Salt
- Heavy Whipping Cream
Tools Needed for Apple Pie Bars:
- Food Processor
- Apple Peeler
- Apple Corer
- 7×11 Glass Baking Dish with Lid
- Mixing Bowls
- Pastry Blender
- Non-stick Spatula
- Saucepan
- Instant Read Thermometer
- Whisk
- Cooling Rack
- Mason Jar (for storing leftover sauce)
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.
Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes or until the crust is a light golden brown.
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.
Place the diced apples in a mixing bowl and combine with sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
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.
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.
Place apple pie bars in the oven to bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe and Video Tutorial
PrintEasy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
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.
- 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
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
Apple Pie Bars Filling
- 2 large or 3 medium apples (I used granny smith)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Oat Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes
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!
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.
More Apple Desserts:
- Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake
- Easy Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake
- Best Fried Apple Pies
- Peanut Butter Apple Pie
- Apple Peanut Butter French Toast Roll-Ups
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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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.
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.
I followed the recipe for the caramel sauce & it didn’t caramelize . What am I doing wrong?
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!
Thank you! I will definitely try again!
Would a 9 x13 pan work. Should I double the recipe.
Yes, I would double the recipe if doing it in a 9×13 pan. Hope you enjoy it!