Pin This buttery salted caramel apple pie bar recipe transforms the classic American apple pie into convenient, hand-held treats perfect for gatherings. The combination of shortbread crust, spiced apples, crunchy streusel, and homemade salted caramel creates an irresistible dessert that balances sweet and salty flavors in every bite.
I discovered this recipe during apple picking season three years ago when searching for alternatives to traditional pie. These bars quickly became my signature fall dessert that friends now request by name whenever autumn arrives.
Ingredients
- For the Shortbread Crust Unsalted butter creates a rich base that supports all the other flavors
- Granulated sugar provides just enough sweetness without overpowering
- Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the buttery foundation
- All purpose flour gives structure while maintaining tenderness
- Salt enhances the buttery flavor and balances sweetness
- For the Apple Filling Medium apples choose a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp for balanced flavor
- Granulated sugar just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the fruit
- Ground cinnamon the classic warming spice that makes apple desserts cozy
- Ground nutmeg adds subtle complexity that complements the cinnamon
- All purpose flour helps thicken the apple juices during baking
- For the Streusel Topping All purpose flour provides structure to the crumbly topping
- Light brown sugar adds caramel notes and helps create crispy texture
- Cold unsalted butter must be truly cold to create proper crumbs
- Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
- For the Salted Caramel Granulated sugar forms the caramel base use white sugar for clean flavor
- Water helps the sugar melt evenly preventing burning
- Unsalted butter adds richness and silky texture to the sauce
- Heavy cream creates the luxurious mouthfeel look for 36% fat content
- Flaky sea salt use Maldon or fleur de sel for the best flavor and texture
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line your 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper extending over the edges. This creates handles that make removing the bars incredibly easy after baking. Press the parchment into corners firmly to prevent batter from seeping underneath.
- Make the Shortbread Base:
- Mix melted butter with sugar until completely incorporated about 1 minute of stirring. Add vanilla extract and stir to combine. Gradually add flour and salt folding gently until no dry spots remain. The mixture will look like wet sand that holds together when pressed. Transfer to prepared pan and use the bottom of a measuring cup to press into an even layer ensuring corners are well packed.
- Prebake the Crust:
- Bake at 350°F for exactly 15 minutes until just barely golden at edges. The crust should look dry on top but not browned. This partial baking ensures the bottom stays crisp when the moist apple filling is added.
- Prepare Apple Filling:
- While crust bakes slice apples thinly about 1/8 inch thick for even cooking. Toss immediately with sugar cinnamon nutmeg and flour coating every slice. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to begin releasing.
- Create the Streusel:
- Combine flour brown sugar and salt in a bowl. Add cold cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients using fingertips. Pinch and rub the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea sized butter pieces remaining. Refrigerate until ready to use if your kitchen is warm.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Arrange apple slices in an even layer over the partially baked crust overlapping slightly. Pour any accumulated juices over the apples. Sprinkle streusel evenly across the top covering all apples. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until streusel is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Make Salted Caramel:
- In a light colored saucepan combine sugar and water over medium heat. Do not stir after this point swirl gently if needed. Watch carefully as sugar dissolves and begins to turn amber around 5 minutes. When it reaches deep amber color like honey immediately remove from heat. Carefully add butter it will bubble vigorously then whisk until incorporated. Slowly add cream continuing to whisk until smooth. Finally stir in sea salt and let cool until slightly thickened.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once bars are completely cooled drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Lift from pan using parchment handles and cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Pin The salted caramel is truly what transforms these bars from good to extraordinary. I learned through many batches that patience is key when making caramel. My first attempt years ago ended with a smoking pan of black sugar because I walked away for just a minute. Now I stand guard watching the color change from clear to honey to amber knowing that perfect moment when it reaches deep amber but not burnt.
Storage Tips
Room temperature bars maintain their best texture when stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The streusel stays crisp and the shortbread remains tender.
Refrigeration extends freshness to 5 days but slightly firms the texture. Let bars come to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to restore some of their original texture.
Freezing works surprisingly well. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bring to room temperature before serving.
Apple Selection Guide
Granny Smith provides tartness and holds shape during baking perfect for structure.
Honeycrisp offers sweetness and a pleasant crunch that softens beautifully when baked.
Braeburn delivers balanced flavor and maintains texture without becoming mushy.
Pink Lady contributes floral notes and holds up well to the baking process.
Avoid Red Delicious and Gala which tend to become mealy when baked.
Mixing two varieties creates the most complex flavor profile in your bars.
Serving Suggestions
Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15 seconds and top with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Cut into smaller pieces and arrange on a dessert board with cheese and fresh fruit for entertaining.
Serve alongside coffee for brunch or afternoon gatherings the bars complement both dark roast and lighter breakfast blends.
Add a dollop of lightly whipped cream and extra caramel drizzle for special occasions.
Pin Seasonal Adaptations
Fall peak apple season pairs these bars with warm spiced cider for the ultimate autumn treat
Winter add 1/4 teaspoon cloves and serve with eggnog for holiday gatherings
Spring incorporate 1 tablespoon lemon zest into the apple filling for brightness
Summer serve chilled with fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast
Success Stories
My neighbor requested these instead of birthday cake last year claiming they were better than any bakery dessert shed ever had.
I brought these to a potluck where three people asked for the recipe before the evening ended.
A friend who claims to dislike apple desserts ate three bars in one sitting and admitted these changed her mind completely.
Enjoy these delicious salted caramel apple pie bars!