This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy
Caramel Apple Pie Bars – A shortbread crust topped with cinnamon spiced apples, struesel and the drizzled with caramel. A perfect fall dessert.
Fall is the perfect time of year for baking. The weather is starting to cool down, and there are apples galore! We make Apple Cider Donuts every year, they are definitely a sign of fall around here.
When I was growing up my grandma always had Apple Bars around in the fall. There is just something about the spices and everything that is so comforting. These Apple Pie Bars are now one of my favorites, especially when you drizzle caramel on top!
Caramel and apples just go together. These Mini Caramel Apples are a fun thing to do with the kids in the fall. But when you are craving that flakey pie crust and warm baked apples, these apple pie bars are a must.
These are apple pie bars have a streusel topping and they are amazing! Plenty of caramel is drizzled over the top so that is tastes just like a caramel apple pie, just in an easier to eat, easier to share bars form. Another favorite from a kid is apple crisp, always so good. I love to make this Instant Pot Apple Crisp now.
Apple desserts might be one of my favorite things about fall. And these caramel apple pie bars are pretty easy to make. It starts with a short bread crust (the same one I used in my lemon bars). Then just a layer of apples, topped with a struesel. Because, who doesn’t love a good struesel!
Once it is out of the oven and ready to serve, I drizzled over a good helping of caramel. Caramel and apples go so well together, so this part seemed like a no brainer. These apple pie bars are great served cold or reheat and serve warm. Either way, they are perfect for fall.
Best Apples for Baking
I like to usually use a mix of apples when I am baking something. That way you get more flavor and texture involved. Some of my favorites are:
- Honeycrisp
- Braeburn
- Pink Lady
- Corteland
- Granny Smith
- Gala
I think most of these apples can be found all over the country. I usually pick 2 kinds of apples and use half and half in my recipes. Use whatever your favorite is and the caramel apple pie bars will turn out amazing!
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)! If you’d like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Connect with Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into cubes (cold)
Filling
- 1 pound apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon all spice
Topping
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, cut into cubes (cold)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with foil.
- In a bowl combine flour, powdered sugar and butter. Mix using your fingers until it comes together as a dough. Press into lined baking pan. Bake for 18 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix apple slices and all of the other filling ingredients together until well coasted.
- In a bowl mix all of the ingredients for the topping together. Use your fingers to mix until almost a crumbly dough.
- Pour apples over hot crust. Spread into an even layer. Crumble the topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Drizzle with caramel when ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is it any wonder that I love fall?! Give me all of the caramel and apples!
This looks like the perfect fall dessert!
Yum Yum Yum! Cannot wait to try this! Love! Thank you for sharing this great recipe.
Apple desserts are my all time favorite desserts. I would eat some right now!
My family LOVES these! The perfect fall dessert!
These are screaming FALL! I need to try these!
Wow! These are some great looking dessert bars!
These bars are calling my name. Seriously the best part of my fall will be making these.
Made these for a church pot luck today and they were a hit. Wanted to use a 9 x 13 so doubled the recipe. Didn’t tell anyone there were 4 sticks of butter in it! Used Fuji apples and wish I would have used a juicier variety, but it was still delish.
I can’t get enough of that topping! This is going to be my go to fall treat!