Introduction

If you adore apple pie but want something easier to share, these salted caramel apple pie bars are a perfect choice. They feature a buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced apple filling, and a crumbly topping, all drizzled with luscious caramel. This dessert captures all the best flavors of fall in an easy-to-make bar.

The image shows close-up pieces of apple crumble bars on white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a thick, soft crust in light golden beige color; the middle layer is made of thinly sliced cooked apples in pale cream and light yellow tones, showing a juicy and tender texture; the top layer is a coarse, crumbly streusel in golden brown with visible sugar granules and small bits of nuts or oats. A rich, glossy caramel sauce is drizzled generously over the top, adding a shiny, sticky texture and deep amber color that cascades down the sides of the bars. The focus is sharp on the front bar, with a creamy blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 pounds Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples (about 6 large or 7 medium), peeled, halved, cored, and sliced 1/4-inch thick

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Cooking spray

2 1/2 sticks (10 ounces) cold unsalted butter, diced

1 large egg

3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the topping dough)

3/4 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce, divided

Flaky salt, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the rack in the middle position. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom and sides with two sheets of parchment paper placed perpendicular, leaving at least 1 inch overhang on all sides to create a sling for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the apple filling by placing the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well to coat and set aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Scatter the cold butter cubes over the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter in until pieces are no larger than peas.

Step 4: Lightly beat the egg and add it along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Stir until combined into a crumbly dough that holds together when squeezed.

Step 5: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan by about 1/2 inch. Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the remaining dough and mix well with your hands.

Step 6: Spread the apple filling evenly over the dough in the pan. Drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the apples and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Crumble the cinnamon dough over the top to create a topping layer.

Step 7: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan, about 3 hours.

Step 8: Use the parchment sling to lift the bars from the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup caramel sauce over each bar and sprinkle lightly with flaky salt if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.

Chill the butter well before mixing to achieve a tender, flaky crust and topping.

If you prefer less caramel, reduce the drizzle or swap with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Try adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any firm apple varieties you like, but tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness best. Mixing apple types also adds depth to the flavor.

Do I have to make homemade caramel sauce?

No, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Choose a high-quality sauce for the best taste, or make your own if you prefer.