Easy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Gluten Free Recipe

If you love apple pie but don't love making pie dough from scratch, these Gluten Free Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are about to become your new favorite fall dessert! Made with a buttery shortbread crust, layers of tender cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples, and a crunchy oat crumble topping, they're everything you love about classic apple pie in convenient bar form. And the best part? They're finished with a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce that takes these delicious apple pie bars to a whole new level.

These easy apple pie bars are naturally gluten free, made with simple ingredients, and can easily be made dairy free. They're perfect for everything from a casual fall afternoon to Thanksgiving dessert, and they taste even better after chilling overnight!

And because I know you'll want more than one gluten free dessert on your Thanksgiving table, why not try these Pecan Pie Cookies, Magic Cookie Bars, or this easy Pumpkin Bread.

Why You'll Love These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

There's something about the combination of warm apples, cinnamon, buttery crust, and caramel that makes this one of my favorite desserts during the holiday season.

Here's why I think you'll love this apple pie bar recipe, too!

• All the flavors of traditional apple pie, without the work. There's no rolling out a flaky pie crust or worrying about a lattice topping. The almond flour crust mixture simply gets pressed into the bottom of the pan.
• Naturally gluten free. Instead of traditional all-purpose flour, these apple bars use almond flour and certified gluten-free oats.
• Made with simple ingredients. You can find everything you need at your local grocery store, including fresh apples, cinnamon, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract.
• Easy to make dairy free. Just replace the unsalted butter in the bottom crust with your favorite vegan butter. The homemade caramel sauce is already dairy free!
• Perfect for making ahead. These bars have a great texture after chilling in the refrigerator, making them an easy dessert to prepare before a family reunion, holiday party, or Thanksgiving dinner.
• That homemade salted caramel! The rich caramel sauce adds the perfect finishing touch to the sweet apple pie filling and crunchy streusel topping.

Ingredients You'll Need

These apple pie bars have four delicious components: a buttery shortbread crust, homemade apple filling, crumbly oat streusel, and salted caramel sauce.

You won't need large eggs, egg yolks, cream cheese, or traditional pie dough to make them!

For the Buttery Shortbread Crust

The bottom crust is made with almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, giving these bars a slightly nutty flavor and tender texture.

• Almond flour: Use finely sifted almond flour for the best texture. Unlike traditional all-purpose flour, almond flour creates a rich, tender crust without gluten.
• Unsalted butter: Adds that classic buttery flavor. You can substitute vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy free.
• Granulated monk fruit sweetener: Monk fruit sweetens the crust without using traditional granulated sugar.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.
• Salt: A small amount helps balance the sweetness.

For the Apple Pie Filling

The star of these bars is the homemade apple filling, made with fresh apples and warming fall spices.

• Granny Smith apples: Their naturally tart flavor balances the sweet streusel and caramel sauce.
• Almond flour: Helps absorb some of the moisture released from the apple slices as they bake.
• Monk fruit sweetener: Adds sweetness without overpowering the natural flavor of the apples.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: Create that classic, cozy apple pie flavor. You could also experiment with apple pie spice for a slightly different flavor profile.

For the Crumble Topping

Instead of using remaining dough from the bottom crust, these bars get a separate oat streusel topping for extra texture.

• Gluten-free old-fashioned oats: Create a hearty, slightly chewy crumble.
• Coconut sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness similar to a brown sugar streusel.
• Almond flour: Helps bind the crumble topping together.
• Cinnamon: Adds another layer of warm spice.
• Coconut oil: Helps the streusel form coarse crumbs that bake into a golden brown topping.

For the Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

This three-ingredient caramel sauce is incredibly simple to make and doesn't require heavy cream or traditional butter.

• Full-fat coconut milk: Creates a rich, creamy base.
• Coconut sugar: Gives the sauce its deep caramel flavor.
• Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the best flavor in the caramel.

Find the full list of ingredients, measurements, and detailed instructions in the recipe card below.

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Pie Bars

Making these easy apple pie bars is a lot simpler than baking a traditional pie. There's no need to chill and roll pie dough, and you can prepare the apple filling while the shortbread crust bakes.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 300°F.

Line an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang to lift the finished bars out of the pan.

Parchment paper works especially well for this recipe because it makes removing and slicing the bars much easier than relying on cooking spray alone.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, monk fruit sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt.

Stir in the almond flour until the flour mixture is fully incorporated and a soft dough forms.

Press the crust mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Because this crust uses almond flour, there's no need for a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer. You can simply combine everything by hand!

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, peel, core, and thinly slice your apples.

Place the apple slices in a large bowl and add the almond flour, monk fruit sweetener, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Gently toss apples until evenly coated.

Try to keep the sliced apples relatively uniform in thickness so they cook evenly during baking.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

In another medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the streusel topping: gluten-free oats, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and almond flour.

Add the softened coconut oil and work it into the mixture using a fork or pastry cutter until small pieces and coarse crumbs begin to form.

The mixture should look crumbly rather than smooth.

Transfer to the refrigerator for 10 minutes while you finish preparing the apple bars.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Once the crust has finished prebaking, remove it from the oven and increase the heat to 350°F.

Layer the apple filling evenly over the bottom crust, gently pressing the apple slices down as you go.

Sprinkle the chilled crumble topping over the top of the apple mixture, making sure to cover the apples evenly.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes.

The exact baking time will depend on your oven and how thinly the apples are sliced.

The apple pie bars are ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are fork-tender.

Allow the whole pan to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before serving.

For the cleanest slices, I recommend chilling the bars completely before cutting.

Step 7: Add the Salted Caramel

While the bars cool, prepare the homemade caramel sauce if you haven't already made it.

Combine the coconut milk, coconut sugar, and sea salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer, and cook until thickened, approximately 35–40 minutes.

Once the bars have cooled, finish with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

What Are the Best Apples for Apple Pie Bars?

Choosing the right type of apple makes a big difference in the final texture and flavor of your apple filling.

For this recipe, I recommend Granny Smith apples because they're firm, tart, and hold their shape well during baking.

The tartness is especially important here because the streusel topping and salted caramel sauce bring plenty of sweetness.

If Granny Smith isn't your favorite apple, there are a few other varieties worth trying.

Pink Lady apples: One of my favorite alternatives! They're crisp, slightly tart, and have a natural sweetness that works beautifully in baked desserts.

Golden Delicious apples: These have a sweeter, more mellow flavor. They're a good choice if you prefer a less tart apple pie filling, although they may soften more during baking.

Honeycrisp apples: Crisp, juicy, and sweet, these apples also work well. Try combining them with Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

For the best flavor, I recommend using firm apples that won't become overly mushy during baking.

Tips for Making the Best Apple Pie Bars

Slice your apples thinly. Thin, evenly cut apple slices create a more tender filling and help the bars hold together when sliced.

Don't skip prebaking the crust. Allowing the buttery shortbread crust to bake before adding the apples helps prevent a soggy bottom.

Keep the streusel chilled. If the coconut oil becomes too warm, the crumble topping can lose its crumbly texture. Refrigerating it briefly before baking helps maintain those delicious clusters.

Avoid overmixing the streusel. You want coarse crumbs, not a smooth dough. Mixing too much can prevent the topping from developing its signature texture.

Let the bars cool before slicing. The almond flour crust is delicate while warm. Cooling gives the layers time to firm up and makes the bars much easier to cut.

Make the caramel ahead of time. The homemade salted caramel takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare, so making it in advance is a great way to save time.

Don't rush the caramel. A gentle simmer over medium-low heat allows the sauce to reduce and develop its rich flavor without scorching.

Easy Substitutions and Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize based on the ingredients you have on hand.

Make Them Dairy Free

Replace the unsalted butter in the shortbread crust with your favorite vegan butter.

The apple filling, oat streusel, and coconut milk caramel are already dairy free when made with the ingredients listed.

Experiment With Different Apples

Granny Smith apples are my first choice, but you can use Pink Lady apples, Honeycrisp, or a combination of your favorite apples.

Mixing two varieties can create a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Use Apple Pie Spice

If you don't have separate cinnamon and nutmeg on hand, try substituting approximately 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice in the filling.

Apple pie spice typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and other warming spices, giving the filling a slightly different flavor.

Try Different Sugar Substitutes

I use granulated monk fruit sweetener in the shortbread crust and apple filling, but another granulated baking sweetener may work.

Keep in mind that different sugar substitutes have different sweetness levels and baking properties. Choose one designed as a 1:1 replacement for granulated sugar.

For the streusel and caramel sauce, I recommend keeping the coconut sugar as written. Coconut sugar contributes both flavor and texture, particularly in the caramel.

Make Them Without Caramel

Although the homemade salted caramel sauce is one of my favorite parts of this recipe, the bars are still delicious on their own.

If you're short on time, skip the sauce or finish with a small drizzle of your favorite store-bought caramel.

What to Serve With Apple Pie Bars

These gluten free apple bars are delicious served chilled or gently warmed.

For a more indulgent dessert, try serving them with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream: Warm apple pie bars and cold vanilla ice cream are such a good combination.
• A dollop of homemade whipped cream: A simple option that makes these bars feel a little more special.
• An extra drizzle of salted caramel: Because there's really no such thing as too much caramel!
• A hot cup of coffee: Perfect for enjoying one of these apple bars as an afternoon treat.

I especially love serving these during the holiday season when I want something that tastes like a slice of apple pie but is easier to share with family members and friends.

They're also a great dessert to bring to a family reunion, Thanksgiving celebration, or fall gathering.

How to Store Apple Pie Bars

In the Refrigerator

Store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you're stacking the bars, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

You can also cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap if you're storing the whole pan.

Because the filling contains fresh apples, I recommend refrigerating the bars rather than leaving them at room temperature for extended periods.

In the Freezer

These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individual bars or place them in a freezer-safe airtight container with parchment paper separating the layers.

For the best results, freeze the bars without the caramel sauce and add it after thawing.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Storing the Caramel Sauce

Store leftover salted caramel sauce separately in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The caramel will become thicker as it chills. To make it easier to drizzle, gently reheat a small amount before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make apple pie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I personally think these bars taste even better the next day after they've had time to chill in the refrigerator.

The filling firms up, the flavors have time to develop, and the bars are much easier to slice.

Do I need to peel the apples?

I recommend peeling the apples for this recipe.

While apple skins are completely edible, removing them creates a more tender filling and gives these bars a texture closer to classic apple pie.

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of almond flour?

This recipe was developed specifically with almond flour, which behaves differently from all-purpose flour.

I wouldn't recommend substituting regular flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend without additional testing, since the crust texture and structure may change.

Why are my apple pie bars falling apart?

The most common reason is slicing the bars before they've had enough time to cool.

Because these bars have an almond flour crust rather than a traditional wheat flour crust, they're more delicate when warm.

Refrigerating them until thoroughly chilled will help the layers hold together.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! Although the homemade salted caramel sauce adds incredible flavor, store-bought caramel is one of the easiest shortcuts for this recipe.

Just be sure to check the ingredient label if you need the recipe to remain dairy free.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Definitely. Unlike some traditional apple pie bar recipes that require creaming a butter-sugar mixture at medium speed or incorporating ingredients with a paddle attachment on low speed, this recipe is mixed entirely by hand.

All you need are a few mixing bowls, a whisk, and a fork or pastry cutter.

Can I use traditional pie crust instead?

A traditional flaky pie crust or refrigerated pie dough would require a different baking method and may not produce the same results.

The almond flour shortbread crust is part of what makes this recipe so simple and naturally gluten free.

The Perfect Gluten Free Fall Dessert

Whether you're baking for Thanksgiving, heading to a family gathering, or just craving something cozy on a chilly afternoon, these Gluten Free Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect way to enjoy classic apple pie flavors with a lot less effort.

With a buttery shortbread crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, crunchy streusel topping, and rich homemade salted caramel, every bite is a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

And since they're made in an 8 x 8-inch baking dish, they're easy to prepare ahead of time, slice, and share.

Did you have a chance to make this recipe? If so, please leave me a 5 star rating and review below. I always love and appreciate hearing from you!