If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances the sweet and salty, with layers of gooey caramel, tender apples, and a crisp crust, then Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are your new best friend in the kitchen. These bars combine everything you love about classic apple pie, but in a convenient, handheld form that’s perfect for sharing or indulging on your own. Every bite offers that rich blend of sweet and salty in Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars—perfectly gooey, crisp, and utterly irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect sweet-salty harmony: The salted caramel adds just the right touch to elevate the natural sweetness of the apples.
Easy to bake: Simple steps and minimal fuss make it ideal whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker.
Handheld convenience: These bars are perfect for parties, snacks, or on-the-go dessert.
Texture heaven: A buttery crust, soft apple filling, and sticky caramel create a delightful mouthfeel.
Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or your favorite toppings to make it truly your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on straightforward, accessible ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that iconic Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars taste.

Apples: Use firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
Salted caramel sauce: Adds rich, buttery flavor and the essential hint of saltiness that contrasts beautifully.
All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the buttery crust that holds everything together.
Butter: Use cold, unsalted butter cut into the flour to ensure a flaky, tender crust.
Brown sugar: Sweetens the crust and amplifies the caramel notes.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warming spices that make the apple filling taste like fall in every bite.
Egg: Binds the crust and adds richness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.

Variations for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Feel free to make this recipe your own by swapping in ingredients that suit your tastes or dietary needs—it’s incredibly adaptable without losing the essence of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling or sprinkle on top for an added crunch.
Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
Vegan option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg in place of the regular egg.
Spice it up: Increase cinnamon or add ginger and cloves for a more intense, spiced flavor profile.
Chocolate drizzle: Melt dark or milk chocolate and drizzle over the bars to add another indulgent layer.

Why Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Are Irresistible

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by combining the flour, brown sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then press about two-thirds of it evenly into a greased baking pan to form the base crust.

Step 2: Make the apple filling

Peel, core, and slice your apples thinly. Toss them with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to infuse warmth and depth into the filling.

Step 3: Layer the filling

Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the base crust, pressing slightly to ensure they stick together but still retain some texture.

Step 4: Add the caramel

Drizzle generous amounts of salted caramel sauce on top of the apples, letting it seep into the layers for gooey richness.

Step 5: Top with remaining crust

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the caramel and apples, gently pressing it down without compressing too hard, to create a crispy, golden topping.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the caramel is bubbling slightly.

Step 7: Cool and slice

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares to prevent the caramel from dripping and to help set the layers.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Select crisp apples: Firmer apples prevent the filling from becoming mushy and maintain a nice texture.
Chill your butter: Keeping butter cold helps create a flaky crust instead of a dense one.
Don’t rush cooling: Let the bars cool fully so the caramel sets and slicing is cleaner.
Use homemade caramel: If possible, homemade salted caramel tends to have better flavor and texture balance.
Adjust sweetness: Taste your apples first and adjust sugar according to their natural tartness to keep the dessert balanced.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Garnishes

Top your bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance their visual appeal and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream for a classic dessert experience that’s always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars into bite-sized squares for party platters, or serve warm with a caramel drizzle and toasted nuts sprinkled on top for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for up to three months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm the bars gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back their soft, gooey caramel texture and crisp crust.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

While you can use various apples, tart and firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Is it possible to make salted caramel from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade salted caramel involves melting sugar until amber, adding butter and cream, then finishing with salt for that perfect sweet-salty flavor.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Use cold butter in the crust, bake at the right temperature, and allow the bars to cool completely to ensure the crust stays crisp and firm.

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars actually taste better the next day after the flavors meld; just store them properly in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to serve these bars for a crowd?

Slice into small squares and serve on a platter with toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or ice cream for easy sharing and maximum enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are truly a dessert that captures the heart with every bite, blending the timeless flavors of apple pie and salted caramel into a convenient and delectable treat. Whether for a cozy night in or a festive occasion, these bars bring warmth and comfort, inviting you to share their gooey, crisp magic with everyone you love. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll quickly see why they become an irresistible favorite.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Print Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine the nostalgic warmth and comforting flavors of classic apple pie with a rich, buttery homemade salted caramel. Featuring a crispy crust, tender apple filling, and luscious caramel sauce, these bars offer a perfect harmony of sweet, salty, crisp, and gooey textures. Perfect for family desserts, festive gatherings, or as a delightful gift, these bars are easy to customize and make a truly irresistible treat.

Author: Judy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 bars (8x8 inch pan) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour blend used)

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold

Apple Filling

4 cups tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, chopped
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract

Salted Caramel Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 tsp sea salt

Optional Variations & Garnishes

Chopped pecans or walnuts (for topping)
Gluten-free flour blend (as substitute for all-purpose flour)
Ground ginger or cloves (for extra spice)
Coconut oil and coconut cream (for dairy-free alternative)
Sliced pears (to replace half of the apples)
Flaky sea salt, powdered sugar (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and cold unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking pan to form a sturdy, buttery crust base.
Cook the Apple Filling: Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Cook them gently in a saucepan with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract, allowing the apples to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a separate pan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture bubbles. Slowly add the heavy cream, then a pinch of sea salt. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Pour half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples. Crumble the remaining crust mixture on top to create a textured finish.
Bake and Cool: Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the bars for a glossy, indulgent touch.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
Keep butter cold before incorporating it into the crust for a flakier, crispier texture.
Simmer the caramel sauce slowly and gently to prevent burning and to achieve a smooth consistency.
Spread the apple filling evenly to avoid soggy spots in the bars.
Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and dried between cuts for clean slices without sticking.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.
Bars can be stored at room temperature up to 2 days, refrigerated up to 5 days, and frozen up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore freshness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: salted caramel, apple pie bars, dessert bars, caramel apple, fall dessert, homemade caramel, apple dessert