If you’re a fan of classic desserts with a twist, then you’re in for a treat with my Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Streusel Recipe. These bars bring together everything you love about apple pie—from tender spiced apples to buttery shortbread crust—but in a fun, portable bar form topped with a dreamy caramel streusel. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your new favorite way to enjoy apple pie!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The warm spices and caramel elevate the apples without overpowering them.
- Easy to make in advance: These bars store well and are a breeze to slice and serve at gatherings.
- Crowd-pleasing texture: Buttery shortbread crust combined with crumbly streusel topping makes every bite delightful.
- Great for all skill levels: Whether you’re a baking newbie or a pro, this recipe guides you every step of the way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple pantry staples with fresh apples. The salted caramel sauce is the star that ties everything together, so I always use real butter and heavy cream to get that rich, smooth flavor.
- Granulated white sugar: Key for caramelizing, use good quality sugar for a sweet, clear caramel.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and a subtle saltiness, perfectly balancing sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Must be at room temperature to blend seamlessly into caramel.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances depth of flavor in the caramel sauce and crust.
- All-purpose flour: Spoon and level it to avoid dense crust or topping.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a caramel note to crust and streusel.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cloves: Classic warm spices that make those apples taste like fall.
- Apples: I recommend firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Streusel Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to match your tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative—this recipe loves a personal touch!
- Gluten-Free: I swapped in a gluten-free flour mix once and the bars still turned out wonderfully crumbly and delicious.
- Nutty Streusel: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel brings a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
- Spiced Up: For an extra kick, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or add fresh ginger to the apple mix—this little secret always surprises guests.
- Vegan Adaptation: You can substitute butter with vegan margarine and use coconut cream in the caramel — it requires some adjustments but tastes amazing!
How to Make Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Make That Silky Salted Caramel Sauce
Start by slowly melting the granulated sugar over medium-low heat. Patience is key here—don’t rush or crank the heat or you’ll risk burning it. As it melts, it’ll go from crystalized to deep golden and smell nutty. When most of the sugar is melted but there are still a few crystals, turn the heat down low to avoid burning. Then whisk in the softened butter quickly—it’ll bubble up, but that’s perfect! Next, stir in the room-temp heavy cream and vanilla; if the mixture seizes, just raise the heat a touch and whisk vigorously. Once smooth, let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes, then cool completely. You can make this ahead—it keeps well in the fridge.
Step 2: Whip Up the Buttery Shortbread Crust
While the caramel cools, prep your crust. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a 9×9 pan with parchment paper on the bottom and sides—that way, removing your bars after baking is a breeze. Cream together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla until fluffy; I usually do this with my hand mixer to speed things up. Add flour and salt, then mix just until combined—don’t overwork the dough! It’ll look crumbly, but that’s right. Press it firmly into your pan in an even layer, then bake until subtle golden edges appear, about 12-15 minutes. Let it cool well before adding the filling to avoid sogginess.
Step 3: Stir Together the Spiced Apple Filling
Peel and dice your apples into half-inch pieces—my secret is using Honeycrisp for sweetness balanced by some Granny Smith tartness. Toss your apples with half the homemade salted caramel sauce and all those beautiful spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and the rest. Cook the mixture over medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften but still hold their shape, about 16-20 minutes. Let this cool for about 10 minutes so the filling sets a bit and doesn’t make your crust soggy.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Caramel Streusel Topping
While the filling cooks, whip up the streusel by creaming together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, then gently fold in flour, salt, and cinnamon until coarse crumbs form. Pop the bowl into the freezer to keep it firm and crumbly for an even bake on top.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Streusel Recipe
Once everything is ready and cooled enough, spread the cooked apple mixture evenly over your shortbread crust, then scatter the chilled streusel topping evenly on top. Bake again at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until your streusel is nice and golden. The aroma at this point is irresistible! After baking, let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—which usually takes a couple of hours—to allow the bars to set perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, cut into 16 squares, drizzle with more of that luscious caramel sauce, and go wild with vanilla ice cream if you like. My family absolutely loses their minds over this!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Streusel Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: I’ve learned that having butter and cream at the right temp prevents the caramel from seizing and ensures smooth mixing.
- Don’t Skip Parchment Lining: Lining your pan on two sides helps you lift the bars out cleanly, making slicing flawless.
- Cut Apples Evenly: Uniform apple pieces cook evenly, preventing some bites from being mushy while others are crunchy.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Patience here pays off—cutting warm bars can cause crumble and mess.
How to Serve Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish these bars with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo. For a little flair, a dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts adds lovely texture and appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these apple pie bars with warm drinks like spiced chai tea or a bold coffee to complement the sweetness. If it’s brunch, I love serving them alongside crispy bacon or scrambled eggs to balance flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special events, I’ve laid out these bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and sprigs of rosemary for a charming display. Another fun twist is wrapping bars in parchment paper tied with twine to give homemade gifts that look just as good as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep beautifully for up to 5 days, and the flavors actually deepen as they sit. Just bring them to room temp before serving or enjoy cold for a refreshing treat.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead for a party, these bars freeze great. I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a bar or two in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This brings back the crispness of the streusel and warms the filling without drying it out. Microwave works in a pinch, but I prefer the oven method for texture.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Streusel Recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and texture, you can use any firm apple variety that holds up well when cooked, like Fuji or Braeburn. Just avoid super soft apples that turn mushy.
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Is it possible to make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, definitely. The salted caramel sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to bring it to room temperature and stir well before using to get that perfect smooth pour.
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How do I avoid a soggy crust when making these bars?
The best way is to fully bake and cool your shortbread crust before adding the apple filling. Also, letting the apple mixture cool before layering prevents excess moisture from seeping into the crust.
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Can I prepare this recipe without an electric mixer?
Yes! While an electric mixer makes creaming easier and fluffier, you can use a sturdy spoon or whisk to mix the crust and streusel ingredients. Just be patient and ensure the butter is soft to easily combine all components.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Streusel Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen when I want to impress with minimal fuss. I love how it captures the best parts of apple pie in every buttery, caramel-drizzled bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is shareable, this one’s for you. Give it a try and watch it disappear faster than you can say “pass me another piece!”
Print
Apple Pie Bars with Caramel Streusel Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced apple filling, and a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping, all drizzled with decadent homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect as a handheld dessert, these bars capture the classic apple pie flavor in a convenient bar form, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
- 5 tbsp (70 g) salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4–1/2 tsp salt
Shortbread Crust:
- 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (55 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
Streusel Topping:
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
- 3/4 cup (94 g) all purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Apple Filling:
- 5 cups (700 g) apples peeled and diced into ½ inch pieces (about 4 large apples)
- 1/2 cup (140 g) salted caramel sauce
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Make Salted Caramel Sauce: Add granulated sugar to a large saucepan over medium-low heat and let it melt slowly until golden, turning heat to low to avoid burning, about 20 minutes. Once melted, quickly stir in softened butter until combined. Next, stir in room temperature heavy cream briskly to incorporate; if separation occurs, increase heat slightly and stir until smooth. Finally, mix in salt and vanilla. Let simmer on low for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and cool completely.
- Prepare Shortbread Crust: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line bottom and two sides with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla on high speed until fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add flour and salt, mixing on low until fully combined and crumbly. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
- Make Streusel Topping: While crust bakes, cream together softened butter and brown sugar on high speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add flour, salt, and ground cinnamon, mixing on low speed until coarse crumbs form. Place streusel in the freezer while preparing the filling.
- Cook Apple Filling: In a large saucepan, combine peeled and diced apples, cooled salted caramel sauce, and all spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cloves). Stir to coat apples evenly. Cook covered over medium heat for 16-20 minutes until apples are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
- Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the cooled shortbread crust. Sprinkle the chilled streusel topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the streusel is lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 2 hours.
- Serve: Cut into 16 bars. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the bars if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture in the filling.
- Make sure butter and cream for caramel are at room temperature to prevent separation.
- Cooling the streusel in the freezer helps it maintain its crumbly texture during baking.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- For easier cutting, refrigerate bars until firm before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 80g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
