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Apple pie bars stacked on a white candy plate.
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5 from 10 votes

The BEST Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of apple pie without having to do any of the work. Plus, they're a lot easier to come by than an actual pie.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Cool time2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time3 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert, Sweet snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 169kcal
Author: Marisa Franca @ All Our Way

Equipment

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted (115g)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g) If not weighing the flour with a scale, use the *spoon and leveled method. (see notes)

For the Apple Pie Filling:

  • 2 large apples ** see type recommended in notes thinly sliced (¼-inch thick)
  • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 ⅔g)
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2⅔g)
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg (⅓g)

For the streusel topping:

  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats (40g)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar - packed light or dark brown (70g)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (⅔g)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (31g) if not weighing the amount, use the *spoon and leveled method (see notes)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed

Caramel topping

  • Use your favorite recipe or purchase from store

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 300℉(149℃).
    Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper leaving enough overhang on all sides.
    Set aside.

Make the pie crust bottom:

  • In a mixing bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt.
    Add the flour and stir until everything is combined.
  • Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
    Bake for 15 minutes and then remove from the oven and place on cooling rack.
    TIME TIP: While the crust bakes, assemble the filling and the streusel.

Make the Apple Pie Filling:

  • In a large bowl, mix together the sliced apples, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together until all of the apple slices are evenly coated.
    Set aside.

Make the streusel topping:

  • In a medium bow, using a whisk, mix together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together.
  • With a pastry blender, two forks, or even your hands, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    Set aside.

Make the apple pie bars:

  • Turn the oven up toe 350℉ (177℃).
  • Layer the apple slices evenly and tightly on top of the warm bottom crust. Press them down so that they all fit in the pan.
  • Sprinkle the apple pie layer with the crumbly streusel and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
    After 20 minutes chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or even overnight.
  • Using the parchment overhang, lift the apple pie bars out of the pan and cut them into your desired size. We like cutting them into 16 smaller bars. You may also but them into 12 larger bars.
  • After cutting them, drizzle some salted caramel sauce on top of each bar.
  • These delicious apple pie bars can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 169kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 51mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg