Want more vegan cookie bars? Try my Vegan Pecan Bars, Vegan Cranberry Bliss Bars, Seven Layer Bars, and Vegan Sugar Cookie Bars. Sometimes, baking an entire vegan apple pie is just too overwhelming or way too much work. That’s when I like to make pie bars instead, like these Salted Caramel Apple Bars! Just like my Blueberry Pie Bars and Mini Pumpkin Pies, they’re much easier to put together but taste just as heavenly as a real pie. There are four layers in these easy apple bars: (1) A buttery shortbread crust, (2) cinnamon sugar-coated apples, (3) oat crumble, and (4) vegan caramel sauce. Together, they form the most comforting dessert!
Why I love these salted caramel apple bars
Bite-sized apple dessert – When you want to capture the magic of a comforting vegan apple crisp or vegan apple pie in a small bite-sized dessert, make these salted caramel apple pie bars. Tastes like fall – You’ll find the most comforting blend of sweet-tart apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg in every bite of this apple bars recipe. A drizzle of vegan salted caramel on top doesn’t hurt, either. Surprisingly easy – Despite the lengthy steps, this is a foolproof dessert through and through. The shortbread crust, apple filling, and streusel topping all come together so easily!
How to make apple bars
To make the shortbread crust, stir the melted vegan butter, sugar, and vanilla together. Stir in the flour until combined. Dump the crust into a parchment paper-lined baking pan and press it into an even layer. Par-bake the crust. Meanwhile, stir the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl to make the apple filling. Stir the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in another bowl. Use a pastry cutter to cut in the cold vegan butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. To assemble the bars, layer the apple filling over the warm baked crust, pressing them down to make them fit. Sprinkle the oat mixture over top. Bake until the topping is golden brown. Set the baked apple pie bars aside to cool at room temperature. Afterward, cut them into squares and add a drizzle of vegan salted caramel or vegan caramel sauce on top. Enjoy!
Frequently asked questions
