Print

Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Close-up of four caramel apple pie bars on a white plate, drizzled with caramel sauce.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-serve bar format. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, a crunchy oat streusel topping, and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel.

Ingredients

  • For the Crust: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Apple Filling: 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples; Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji recommended); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • For the Streusel Topping: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • For the Salted Caramel Drizzle: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Ensure the apples are evenly coated.
  5. Spread the apple filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
  6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple filling.
  8. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
  9. While the bars are baking, prepare the salted caramel drizzle: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it turns an amber color. Carefully whisk in the warmed heavy cream (it will bubble up). Stir in the butter and salt until smooth. Remove from heat.
  10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important for clean cuts. Once cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top.
  11. Cut into squares before serving.

Notes

  • For the cleanest cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after they have cooled and the caramel has set.
  • Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
  • These bars are excellent for bake sales and potlucks.
  • Consider using a meal planning service to help organize your baking schedule.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/caramel-apple-pie-bars/