Description
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars capture all the cozy comfort of classic apple pie in a simple, hand-held treat. With a buttery shortbread base, warmly-spiced apples, a crumbly oat streusel topping, and a generous drizzle of rich salted caramel, these easy-to-serve bars are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or whenever you crave a decadent dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For Finishing:
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan & Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the bars out easily after baking.
- Make the Shortbread Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour together until a soft dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: In another bowl, toss the diced apples with all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples.
- Bake the Bars: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled bars for 30–35 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce, then lift out using the parchment and slice into 16 bars before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for balanced flavor.
- Bars cut best when completely cooled; for neatest edges, chill in the fridge before slicing.
- Homemade salted caramel sauce adds a special touch, but high-quality store-bought also works well.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg