Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect fall treat, combining a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. The addition of salted caramel drizzle takes them from delicious to irresistible, making them perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just cozy evenings at home.
INGREDIENTS
- Shortbread Crust: 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted, 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- Apple Filling: 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup (43g) old-fashioned oats, 1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Salted Caramel: Homemade or store-bought salted caramel
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Make the crust: Stir melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Add flour, mix well, and press into pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Prepare apple filling: Toss sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Step 4:
- Make streusel: Mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Step 5:
- Assemble: Layer apple filling over baked crust, pressing apples down. Top with streusel.
- Step 6:
- Bake: Increase oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden.
- Step 7:
- Cool for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours (or overnight).
- Step 8:
- Serve: Cut into bars, drizzle with salted caramel, and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- For a festive touch, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt after drizzling the caramel.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.
Why You'll Love These Apple Pie Bars
These bars offer everything you love about apple pie, but in a convenient and easy-to-serve format. The shortbread crust provides the perfect base, while the apple filling is spiced just right. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, and the salted caramel drizzle brings the entire dessert together. Whether you're hosting a fall gathering or just craving something sweet, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are sure to satisfy!