Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel

These Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel have a buttery oat crust, warm spiced apples, and a peanut butter caramel drizzle for the perfect fall dessert!

this Recipe

The first time I made these, I wasn’t actually trying to create a recipe. I just had a ton of apples sitting on my counter, dangerously close to going bad, and zero motivation to make an actual pie. So I figured—why not make bars? They seemed easier, less fussy, and a whole lot faster.

But the real magic happened when I decided to drizzle them with peanut butter caramel. It was one of those happy accident moments where I had leftover caramel from another dessert (which I totally ate straight from the spoon) and thought, hmm, let’s see what happens.

Let me tell you—when that peanut butter caramel hit the warm apple filling, something magical happened. Sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy. It was one of those why haven’t I done this before?! moments. My family devoured them in record time, and now, it’s a staple every fall.

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

• Apple pie without the pie crust drama. Seriously, no rolling, no crimping, no stress.
• The oat crumble crust is ridiculously buttery and crisp. Like, good enough to eat on its own.
• Peanut butter caramel = next-level deliciousness. If you know, you know.
• Perfect for make-ahead! They taste even better the next day.

Ingredient Notes:

Every ingredient in this recipe brings something special to the table, so let’s break it down.

For the Crust & Crumble:

• Oat Flour & Rolled Oats – Gives a hearty, slightly chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the apples.
• Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Cinnamon & Vanilla – Essential for that classic apple pie flavor.
• Melted Butter – Makes everything extra delicious.

For the Apple Filling:

• Honeycrisp Apples – My go-to for baking! Tart, crisp, and they hold up beautifully.
• Maple Syrup – Natural sweetness that gives a subtle depth of flavor.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the filling so it stays gooey but not runny.
• Allspice & Nutmeg – Just a hint for extra warmth and depth.

For the Peanut Butter Caramel:

• Peanut Butter – Creamy, nutty, and pairs ridiculously well with apples.
• Coconut Oil – Helps create that smooth, drizzle-able texture.
• Sea Salt – Balances everything perfectly.

How To Make Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel?

Step 1: Prep the Crust & Crumble

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, mix oat flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture looks crumbly.

Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the pan for the crust. Set the rest aside for the topping.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

Melt half a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften.

Once the apples are tender, stir in vanilla extract and cornstarch to thicken the mixture.

Spread the filling evenly over the crust.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Sprinkle the reserved oat crumble evenly over the apple filling.

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Butter Caramel

In a small saucepan, heat peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt over low heat. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly before drizzling over the bars.

Slice into 16 squares and serve!

Storage Options:

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Fridge: Keeps well in the fridge for 5 days. Let them sit at room temp before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before enjoying.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to switch things up? Try these tweaks!

• No peanut butter? Swap for almond butter or cashew butter.
• No oat flour? Use all-purpose flour (if you don’t need it to be gluten-free).
• Nut-free? Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Extra crunch? Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.

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

Take these bars to the next level with these pairings:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream – Cold ice cream + warm bars? Perfection.
• Whipped cream – Light, fluffy, and just the right amount of extra.
• A cup of coffee – Because coffee + caramel + apple is always a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Try Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Fuji for extra sweetness.

Do I have to use cornstarch?

You can swap it for arrowroot powder or tapioca starch to help thicken the filling.

How do I keep my bars from getting soggy?

Make sure the apples aren’t too juicy before layering them in. If they release a lot of liquid while cooking, drain some off before adding to the crust.

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, impressive, and downright addictive, these Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel are it. They’re everything you love about apple pie, just way easier to make and even more fun to eat.

So, are you making these today or right now? Let me know how they turn out!

Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Delicious Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Rice Recipe

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Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

These scrumptious Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel bring together the comforting familiarity of classics and the luxurious indulgence of gourmet treats. Picture an oat crust that melts in your mouth revealing a spiced apple filling. Each slice of apple is perfectly tender and infused with the warmth of cinnamon and vanilla. If that wasn't enough to tempt your taste buds these bars are then elegantly adorned with a drizzle of homemade peanut butter caramel offering a creamy flavor complemented by just a hint of sea salt to balance the sweetness. This dessert doesn't simply conclude a meal; it steals the show with its twist on tradition captivating both visually and, in every bite.

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16 Servings

Ingredients

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For the crust and crumble:

• 1 ½ c gluten-free oat flour
• 1 c old-fashioned rolled oats gluten-free
• ½ c packed brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1/2 tbsp melted butter
• 3 medium to large honeycrisp apples peeled and sliced
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of allspice & nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the peanut butter caramel:

• 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• Pinch of sea salt

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Instructions

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Take an 8x8 inch pan. Line it with parchment paper then give it a coating of cooking spray.

To make the crust and crumble:

1. In a bowl combine 1 ½ cups of oat flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
2. Stir in 8 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until the mixture starts to clump together.
3. Press down about 1⅔ cups of the mixture, into the pan for the crust; refrigerate the remaining mixture for use as topping.

For the filling:

1. Melt half a tablespoon of butter in a skillet. Add sliced apples along with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch each of allspice, nutmeg and salt. Cook until the apples become soft and tender.
2. Stir in vanilla extract (one teaspoon) and cornstarch (about two teaspoons); cook until thickened. Spread this apple filling over the crust in your pan.

For the topping:

1. Retrieve the remaining crust mixture from your fridge; sprinkle it evenly over your apple filling.
2. Place your pan in the oven. Reduce its heat to around 300°F (150°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Until golden brown.
3. Once done baking allow it to cool down inside the pan on a wire rack before serving or enjoying.
4. To create caramel, combine 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture until it becomes runny then allow it to cool slightly.
5. Next, drizzle the caramel over the bars once they have cooled.
6. To serve slice the bars into 16 squares. They can be enjoyed either at room temperature or chilled. For a treat you can serve them with a scoop of ice cream!

Notes

Let's whisk away the wheat and welcome a gluten-free twist to these Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel without a whisper of compromise in taste or texture. Begin with your base, opting for gluten-free oat flour that behaves beautifully beneath your fingers, just like its traditional counterpart, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep every crumb safe and satisfying. As you layer on the apple slices, let the natural sweetness and spice sing their melody, untouched and glorious in their gluten-free state. The pièce de résistance, a peanut butter caramel drizzled with care, remains unchanged, because true decadence knows no bounds.

Audrey

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Bitty

I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!

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