Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate fall dessert! Tender cinnamon-spiced apples are layered over a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a golden brown crumble, and finished with a generous drizzle of smooth caramel. They have all the cozy flavors of classic apple pie in an easy-to-slice bar.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Topping

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce, warmed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

In a bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add the flour and salt and stir until a soft dough forms.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

2. Make the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, lemon juice, and vanilla. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

Spread the apple mixture over the warm crust.

3. Make the Crumble

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples.

4. Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble topping is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

5. Add the Caramel

Once cooled, drizzle the warmed caramel sauce generously over the top.

For cleaner slices, chill the bars for 30–60 minutes before cutting.

Serving

Cut into squares or bars and serve as they are, or warm them slightly and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream with an extra drizzle of caramel.

Tips

• Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination of both.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing so the layers have time to set.
• For extra caramel flavor, drizzle additional caramel over individual servings.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.