Irresistible Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe
If you love the cozy flavors of classic apple pie but want something easier to bake, these Caramel Apple Pie Bars will quickly become your new favorite dessert. They’ve got all the essentials: a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, a crumbly streusel topping, and a generous drizzle of gooey caramel sauce. Best of all, they’re made in bar form, which means no rolling out pie dough and no worrying about soggy bottoms. Just slice, serve, and watch them disappear.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, baking for a potluck, or simply craving a fall-inspired treat, these bars deliver the comfort of apple pie in a portable, sharable way. Let’s dive in and learn how to make them step by step.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Pie Bars
There’s a lot to adore about this recipe, so let’s break it down:
- Easy to make – Unlike traditional pie, this recipe requires no tricky pie crust. The shortbread crust comes together in minutes.
- Perfect balance of flavors – The tartness of apples pairs beautifully with the sweetness of caramel and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Great for sharing – These bars are baked in a pan, making it simple to cut them into squares for parties, bake sales, or family gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prepare them a day ahead and they’ll still taste amazing.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. Having everything measured and ready will make the baking process smoother.
For the Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (135 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling
- 4 large apples (about 4 cups when sliced), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add brightness)
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Caramel Drizzle
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bake the most delicious Caramel Apple Pie Bars.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later for neat slicing.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with flour, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure all the apple slices are coated evenly with the mixture. This will help the apples thicken as they bake and ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 4: Layer the Apples
Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately spread the apple filling evenly over the hot crust. The warmth of the crust helps the apples start softening right away.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, butter cubes, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery at this point.
Step 7: Cool and Drizzle with Caramel
Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Once completely cool, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Choose the right apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji bring natural sweetness.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It prevents browning and balances the sweetness.
- Use cold butter for the streusel: This helps create a crumbly, crunchy topping.
- Line the pan with parchment: Makes removing and slicing the bars so much easier.
- Add extra caramel: If you’re a caramel lover, swirl some into the apple filling before baking.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient. Here are some easy swaps:
- Flour → Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Butter → Substitute with plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
- Caramel sauce → If you don’t have caramel, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey works too.
- Sugar → Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a less refined option.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Caramel Apple Pie Bars is how easy they are to customize. You can keep them classic or add your own creative spin depending on the season, the occasion, or simply what you’re craving. Here are a few delicious variations you can try at home:
- Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars – Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle before serving. The sweet-and-salty combination takes these bars to a whole new level of indulgence.
- Nutty Apple Pie Bars – Stir chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the streusel topping for extra crunch and a nutty depth of flavor. It’s especially perfect for fall gatherings.
- Apple Cranberry Bars – Mix dried cranberries (or even raisins) with the apple filling. The tartness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the caramel and makes these bars extra festive for the holidays.
- Spiced Apple Bars – Add a pinch of cloves, cardamom, or allspice to the apple filling. These warming spices enhance the cozy fall flavors and give the dessert a bakery-style aroma.
- Apple Cheesecake Bars – Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese over the shortbread crust before adding the apple mixture. The creamy tang of cheesecake adds a luscious twist you won’t forget.
- Caramel Apple Crumble Bars – Skip the drizzle and swirl caramel sauce directly into the apple filling before baking. The caramel bakes into the fruit, creating gooey ribbons of flavor in every bite.
These variations prove just how versatile Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be. Feel free to mix and match ideas, or even invent your own signature version. No matter which twist you choose, the result will be a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat.
How to Store Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days. The bars will firm up, but a quick microwave warm-up brings them back to life.
- In the freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
Bringing It All Together
These Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine the best of two worlds: the nostalgic taste of a classic homemade apple pie and the ease of dessert bars that are perfect for sharing. The buttery shortbread crust lays the perfect foundation, the cinnamon-spiced apples deliver that cozy fall flavor we all crave, the crumbly streusel adds just the right amount of crunch, and the caramel drizzle ties everything together into one unforgettable treat.
What makes these bars truly special is how versatile and approachable they are. You don’t need to be an expert baker to whip them up, and you can easily customize them with different spices, nuts, or even a cheesecake layer for a twist. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving, bringing a tray to a potluck, or baking them on a chilly weekend just because, these Caramel Apple Pie Bars are guaranteed to be the star of the dessert table.
They also make fantastic make-ahead desserts. You can prepare them the day before, store them in the fridge, and still enjoy all the buttery, caramel-apple goodness without any last-minute stress. And because they’re baked in a pan and sliced into squares, they’re easy to serve to a crowd, no pie cutter required.
So grab your apples, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a dessert that blends comfort, flavor, and simplicity in every bite. One taste and you’ll understand why these Caramel Apple Pie Bars deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
