If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both indulgent and nourishing, then you’ll absolutely adore this Healthy Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe. Combining the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie with a luscious, nutty caramel drizzle, these bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things wholesome.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with gluten-free oats and real fruit for a healthier spin on a classic dessert.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet apple filling meets the salty richness of peanut butter caramel, creating a truly irresistible combo.
- Simple to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll have stunning bars ready in just about an hour.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or just a cozy night in, these bars bring joy to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver texture, warmth, and flavor. Each component plays a vital role—from the oat flour for a hearty base to the spice notes that make the filling sing with that classic apple pie charm.
- Gluten-Free Oat Flour: Provides a tender yet sturdy crust with a subtle nutty flavor.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds wonderful texture and wholesome bite to the crumble topping.
- Honeycrisp Apples: Their natural sweetness and slight tartness give the filling a fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar: Sweetens the crust and crumble with a deep caramel tone.
- Butter or Vegan Butter: Brings richness and helps bind all the crust ingredients together.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens and helps thicken the apple filling along with the peanut butter caramel.
- Sea Salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness, especially in the salted peanut butter caramel.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Allspice: The iconic spices that turn these bars into a cozy, fall-inspired treat.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re craving extra crunch or have specific dietary needs, these bars can be customized without missing a beat.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap peanut butter caramel for sunflower seed butter caramel to keep things allergy-friendly while still delicious.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds on top before baking for an added crunch and earthy flavor.
- Fruit Mix-Up: Replace apples with pears or mix in fresh berries for a different twist on the filling.
- Use Coconut Sugar: Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar to keep it refined sugar-free, just note the crumble texture might be a bit different.
How to Make Healthy Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crust Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper—you want to make sure your bars come out clean and easy to slice. Then, mix together oat flour, rolled oats, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. When you add melted butter and vanilla, the mixture will come together into a crumbly dough that’s just begging to be pressed firmly into the pan’s base. Pop the rest of that dough in the fridge for your crumble topping later.
Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling
Melt a touch of butter in your biggest skillet, then toss in the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples. Add your maple syrup and spices—cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg—then cook gently until the apples soften and release their natural juices. Stir in cornstarch and vanilla to thicken that luscious filling to just the right consistency before pouring it over your chilled crust.
Step 3: Add the Crumble and Bake
Retrieve your reserved topping dough from the fridge and sprinkle it generously over the apple filling. The clumpy crumbles will bake into a beautiful golden crust with a delightful crunch. Bake everything for about 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden and fragrant. Then let the bars cool completely so they hold together perfectly.
Step 4: Whip Up the Salted Peanut Butter Caramel
Now for the fun part: the salted peanut butter caramel. In a bowl, stir together peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and a tiny pinch of sea salt. Warm it up in short bursts in the microwave until it’s perfectly runny and drizzle-worthy. Let it rest to thicken slightly before generously drizzling it over the cooled bars. Slice into 16 squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe
- Use Firm, Crisp Apples: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples hold their shape beautifully and add the right balance of tartness.
- Press Crust Firmly: Ensuring your base is well-packed helps prevent crumbling when you cut your bars.
- Cool Completely Before Drizzling: This keeps the caramel from melting into the bars and maintains that gorgeous glossy finish.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: The pinch of sea salt in the caramel really amps up the flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Serve Healthy Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate them with a dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts to echo the caramel’s nutty goodness. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream for a vegan option) creates a picture-perfect finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your apple pie bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot chai tea for a cozy treat. Fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can offer a fresh contrast when serving this as part of a dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering small squares of these bars on a tiered dessert stand for a party or cut into mini bite-sized squares for easy finger food. Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for a charming rustic vibe the guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Healthy Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container. They stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—making it perfect if you want to prepare them ahead of time for busy weeks or gatherings.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, ready to thaw when you crave that perfect bite of autumn-in-a-bar.
Reheating
For warm, melty goodness, reheat the bars in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This warms the filling and softens the crumble while keeping that irresistible peanut butter caramel perfectly gooey.
FAQs
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Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free oat flour?
Absolutely! If you’re not avoiding gluten, all-purpose flour works just fine in this recipe—just expect a slightly different texture. The oat flour adds a unique heartiness, but the bars will still be delicious with regular flour.
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What type of peanut butter is best for the caramel?
Use a creamy, all-natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils for the best balance. This ensures your caramel has a smooth texture and rich peanut flavor without extra sweetness or greasiness.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap butter for your favorite vegan buttery spread like Earth Balance and ensure your maple syrup is pure and vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
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How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to firmly press the base mixture into the pan and fully bake it before adding the filling. Cooling the bars completely before adding caramel also helps keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about these Healthy Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe—they’re a joyful blend of comfort and health wrapped into one beautiful dish. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars bring warmth and smiles to any table. I can’t wait for you to try them and enjoy that perfect marriage of apple and peanut butter caramel as much as I do!
PrintHealthy Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe
These Healthy Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel combine a gluten-free oat and rolled oats crumble crust with tender, spiced honeycrisp apples, baked to golden perfection and topped with a luscious peanut butter caramel drizzle. Perfect as a guilt-free dessert or snack, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors with a comforting, homemade texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the crust and crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten free oat flour (or substitute all purpose flour)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (or substitute coconut sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons butter (or vegan buttery stick such as Earth Balance), melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1/2 tablespoon melted butter (or vegan buttery stick)
- 3 medium to large honeycrisp apples, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch slices (about 4 1/2 cups apple slices)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot starch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of allspice and nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the peanut butter caramel:
- 2 tablespoons creamy all natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and generously spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Make the base and topping: In a large bowl, mix oat flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt with a fork. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring until a crumble forms and the dough begins to clump together.
- Form the crust: Press about 1 2/3 cups of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using your hands. Place the remaining crumble mixture into the fridge for the topping later.
- Prepare the apple filling: Melt butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add apple slices and stir to coat. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, stirring well. Lower heat to medium-low and cook for 5-7 minutes until apples soften.
- Thicken filling: Stir in vanilla extract and cornstarch, cooking over low heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and pour the filling over the crust, spreading evenly.
- Add topping: Remove crumble topping from the fridge and sprinkle it evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake the bars: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make peanut butter caramel: In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir well, then microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and runny. Let sit 5-10 minutes at room temperature to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Drizzle caramel over the cooled bars. Use a sharp knife to cut into 16 squares. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Optionally, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Substitute all-purpose flour if you don’t need gluten free.
- Use vegan butter alternatives to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, but Granny Smith or Fuji apples can be used.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness, but honey can substitute if not vegan.
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting to ensure clean squares.
- The peanut butter caramel thickens as it cools; warm it slightly if too firm for drizzling.
- These bars keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days and also freeze well for longer storage.
