Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel

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Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel are the perfect fusion of two beloved dessert flavors—classic apple pie and rich, nutty caramel. Each bite features tender cinnamon-spiced apples nestled between buttery, crumbly shortbread layers. But what sets these bars apart is the luscious drizzle of salted peanut butter caramel on top, giving them a bold twist that’s comforting and surprisingly sophisticated.

These dessert bars are ideal for fall gatherings, holiday trays, or simply as an indulgent weekend bake. They cut beautifully into squares, making them a portable and crowd-friendly alternative to traditional pie. The contrast between the soft apple filling, the golden crust, and the sweet-salty caramel topping makes every bite feel like a warm hug with a modern edge.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe

• Elevated classic: This is not your average apple pie. The addition of salted peanut butter caramel brings a contemporary, mouthwatering spin to a nostalgic favorite.
• Perfectly textured: Crisp on the bottom, gooey in the middle, crumbly on top—these bars check every box.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can bake, chill, and cut these ahead of time. In fact, they taste even better the next day.
• Easy to serve: No slicing and plating like with traditional pie—just grab a square and go.
• Crowd pleaser: The flavor combo appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a standout at potlucks and parties.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Importance of Each Tool)

To make the perfect Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference—both in ease and outcome.

• 9×13-inch Baking Pan: This is crucial for building the layered bars evenly. A metal or glass pan distributes heat uniformly and helps achieve a golden, crisp base.
• Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium): You’ll need separate bowls for the crust, filling, and topping. Using the right sizes avoids mess and makes mixing more efficient.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: Perfect for cutting cold butter into flour to create a flaky, tender crust and crumb topping.
• Apple Peeler & Corer: Speeds up prep time significantly and ensures evenly sliced apples, which bake uniformly.
• Whisk: Useful for blending dry ingredients and combining wet ingredients without overmixing.
• Saucepan: Needed to prepare the salted peanut butter caramel. A heavy-bottomed pan prevents scorching and ensures even melting.
• Rubber Spatula: Ideal for scraping every bit of batter or caramel out of bowls and saucepans.
• Cooling Rack: Helps cool the bars completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.

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Preparation Tips

• Use cold butter for the crust and crumble topping. This ensures the crust bakes up firm and flaky, not greasy or soggy.
• Thinly slice your apples—aim for uniform slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Uneven chunks can lead to inconsistent baking.
• Chill the crust before adding the filling if your kitchen is warm. This helps it hold shape during baking.
• Don’t overbake—the bars continue to set as they cool. Pull them from the oven when the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
• Use parchment paper to line the pan for easy removal and clean slicing.
• Make the caramel last: Drizzle it just before serving to keep the topping shiny and fresh (or store separately if making ahead).
• Taste your apples: Depending on how tart or sweet they are, you might want to adjust the sugar slightly.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This ensures clean slices and helps the layers set properly.

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Ingredients for This Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Salted Peanut Butter Caramel:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional for garnish: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

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Step 1: Make the Crust and Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining one-third for the crumble topping.
Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes or until just set and lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

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Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.

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Step 3: Assemble the Bars

Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top, gently pressing it down so it sticks to the apples without compacting it too much.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.

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Step 4: Make the Salted Peanut Butter Caramel

While the bars are baking, make the caramel. In a small heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently just until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it simmer until it turns a deep amber color.
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously). Add the peanut butter, salt, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Let cool slightly to thicken.

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Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Drizzle

Once the bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool completely in the pan—at least 2 hours—for clean slicing.
Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares or rectangles. Just before serving, drizzle with the salted peanut butter caramel and sprinkle with a touch of flaky sea salt if desired.

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Notes

• These bars are easier to slice and serve when fully cooled or chilled. If you’re short on time, pop them in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting.
• For a richer flavor, try browning the butter for the crust and crumble topping before chilling and using it in the dough.
• You can double the caramel sauce and store the extra in the fridge—it’s excellent over ice cream, brownies, or pancakes.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using warm butter: The butter must be cold for the crust and crumble to achieve a flaky, tender texture. Room temp or melted butter will result in greasy, dense layers.
• Overcrowding the apple slices: If your apple slices are too thick or uneven, the bars may bake unevenly, leaving you with crunchy apples or soggy bottoms.
• Not prebaking the crust: Skipping this step can result in a soggy base that doesn’t hold up under the juicy filling.
• Overcooking the caramel: Sugar burns quickly—once it turns amber, remove it from the heat and add cream immediately.
• Drizzling caramel on hot bars: Wait until the bars cool. Adding the caramel too soon can cause it to melt and soak into the topping instead of sitting beautifully on top.
• Cutting the bars too soon: They need time to firm up; slicing while warm can lead to a mess instead of neat squares.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Without it, removing the bars from the pan intact can be a nightmare.
• Under-seasoning the apples: Be generous with cinnamon and a splash of lemon juice—it enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

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What to Serve With Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel?

These bars are decadent on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate them into a full dessert experience. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying one solo on the couch, here’s what works beautifully on the side.

8 Recommendations

1. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
   The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices and rich caramel perfectly.
2. Hot Apple Cider
   A mug of spiced cider pairs wonderfully with the apple filling and echoes the cozy fall vibes.
3. Espresso or Strong Coffee
   The bitterness cuts through the sweetness of the bars and caramel, balancing each bite.
4. Whipped Cream with a Pinch of Cinnamon
   A dollop of softly whipped cream adds lightness to the dense layers of the bar.
5. Salted Nuts or Candied Pecans
   Offer these on the side or sprinkle them over the top for extra crunch and contrast.
6. Dark Chocolate Squares
   A few pieces of dark chocolate bring a slightly bitter edge that plays well with the peanut butter caramel.
7. Chai Tea or Spiced Lattes
   The warming spices in chai echo the cinnamon and nutmeg in the apple filling.
8. Cheddar Cheese Slices
   A bold move, but apple and cheddar are a classic combo. The savory sharpness adds a surprising and satisfying contrast.

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Storage Instructions

Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel store exceptionally well, making them ideal for preparing ahead or enjoying over several days.

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigerator: Extend their freshness by storing them in the fridge for up to 5–6 days. Layer parchment between stacked bars to prevent sticking.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Caramel Storage: Store leftover peanut butter caramel in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently in the microwave before drizzling.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Bar – Based on 16 Bars)

• Calories: 330
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 4g
• Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/16th of pan)
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of nut butter for the caramel?

Yes! Almond butter or cashew butter both work well. Just ensure they’re creamy and unsweetened for the best results.

2. What’s the best type of apple to use?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices—they’re firm, bake well, and offer a great balance of tart and sweet flavors.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.

4. How far in advance can I make these bars?

You can bake and refrigerate them up to 3 days ahead. Store the caramel separately and drizzle it just before serving for the best appearance.

5. What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

A fork or your fingertips will work just fine. You can also pulse the crust ingredients briefly in a food processor.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a half-sheet pan. Increase the baking time slightly and monitor for doneness.

7. Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Not immediately—but for longer storage (over 2 days), refrigeration is best to preserve texture and freshness.

8. Can I reheat these before serving?

Yes. Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If you prefer a slightly crisp top, reheat in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

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Conclusion

Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel are a deliciously modern take on an all-American classic. With layers of buttery crumble, spiced apple filling, and that golden, salty-sweet caramel drizzle, these bars strike the perfect balance between comfort and creativity. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or just want something special with your afternoon coffee, this treat delivers flavor, texture, and plenty of smiles. Easy to make, even easier to share—though you might not want to!

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