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Healthy Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Recipe

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5 from 143 reviews

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.

Ingredients

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Add topping: Remove crumble topping from the fridge and sprinkle it evenly over the apple filling.
  7. Bake the bars: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

Find it online: https://queenrecipe.com/healthy-apple-pie-bars-with-salted-peanut-butter-caramel-recipe/