Decadent Vegan Apple Pie Bars with Salted Caramel Drizzle (Gluten-Free & Easy Recipe)
Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple pie filling your kitchen, but in a delightfully convenient, handheld form. These Vegan Apple Pie Bars capture all the magic of a classic homemade apple pie, complete with a warmly spiced apple filling and a perfectly crumbly oat topping. But we don’t stop there! Each bar is generously drizzled with a rich, homemade salted caramel sauce, transforming them into an absolutely decadent dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make and entirely plant-based and gluten-free. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will become your new go-to for fall baking, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in.
Just one look at that glistening caramel drizzle cascading over the golden-brown crumble, and you’ll understand why these Vegan Apple Pie Bars are a true masterpiece. If you’re wondering how truly good these bars are, prepare yourself for a solid 10/10. And that’s even before the homemade salted caramel sauce enters the picture! Once you add that luscious finishing touch, these bars transcend into an unforgettable dessert experience that will have everyone reaching for another piece.
These bars are my absolute favorite interpretation of traditional apple pie. Whether you’re embracing the crisp vibes of autumn, searching for that perfect show-stopping Thanksgiving dessert, or simply whipping up a delightful treat for friends and family (or a personal Netflix binge night!), these bars are an exceptional indulgence. Every single bite delivers a harmonious blend of tender, spiced apples, a sturdy yet crumbly crust, and that sweet-and-salty caramel kick. They offer all the beloved flavors of a pie, but in a more casual, grab-and-go format that makes them ideal for any occasion.
Why These Vegan Apple Pie Bars Will Become Your Favorite
These apple pie bars aren’t just delicious; they’re designed for convenience, flavor, and pure enjoyment. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Effortlessly Easy to Make: Don’t let their impressive appearance fool you; these bars are surprisingly simple to assemble. The process involves creating a single versatile crumble mixture. A portion of it is pressed into the pan to form the rich, buttery crust, then topped with the vibrant apple filling, and finally, crowned with the remaining crumble for that iconic streusel effect. Bake, cool, and drizzle with homemade vegan caramel sauce – it’s that straightforward. They’re a breeze to serve, and even easier to devour!
- Authentic Apple Pie Flavor: Each bite truly delivers the nostalgic taste of a classic apple pie. The apples soften beautifully during baking, infusing the bars with their sweet and tangy essence, perfectly complemented by warm spices. What’s more, these bars are incredibly versatile in how they can be enjoyed: fantastic whether served cold straight from the fridge, gently warmed for a cozy treat, or simply at room temperature.
- Gloriously Topped with Salted Caramel Sauce: While these bars are absolutely divine on their own, the addition of our homemade salted caramel sauce elevates them to a new level of decadence. The sweet and salty notes of the caramel provide a perfect counterpoint to the spiced apples and crumbly crust. The recipe for the caramel makes more than you’ll need for this batch, but trust me, you’ll be grateful for the extra. It lasts wonderfully in the fridge, allowing you to drizzle it over virtually any dessert – or even your breakfast, we won’t judge! You deserve this luxurious touch.
- Dietary Inclusive & Delicious: This recipe is entirely vegan and can easily be made gluten-free (using certified gluten-free oats and oat flour), making it a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based dessert without compromising on flavor or texture. These bars prove that vegan baking can be just as rich and satisfying as traditional desserts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual weeknight desserts to elegant holiday spreads like Thanksgiving or Christmas, these apple pie bars fit right in. Their individual portion-friendly size makes them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or meal prepping for a week of sweet treats.
If you’re still craving more irresistible apple desserts, be sure to explore my cranberry apple crisp, classic vegan apple pie, and delightful baked apples stuffed with cinnamon oat crisp!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Apple Pie Bars
Crafting these delectable vegan apple pie bars starts with high-quality ingredients. Below are some important notes and tips for each component. For precise measurements, please scroll down to the full recipe card.
- Apples: The star of the show! Choose firm, flavorful apples that hold their shape well when baked. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are excellent choices; Honeycrisp offers a balanced sweetness, while Granny Smith introduces a delightful tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet crumble and caramel. Remember to core, peel, and slice them thinly with a mandolin or a sharp knife to ensure even cooking and a tender texture in every bite.
- Oat Flour: This forms the base of our crumbly crust and helps thicken the apple filling. Oat flour is naturally gluten-free (ensure you use certified gluten-free oats if necessary for strict dietary needs) and provides a wonderfully wholesome, slightly nutty flavor. You can easily make your own oat flour by grinding old-fashioned rolled oats in a high-speed blender or food processor until a fine flour forms.
- Coconut Sugar: Used in both the apple filling and the bar mixture, coconut sugar provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a lower glycemic index than refined white sugar. It also contributes to the beautiful golden color of the bars.
- Cinnamon & Allspice: These warm spices are crucial for capturing that classic, comforting apple pie flavor. Cinnamon offers a sweet, woody note, while allspice brings a complex blend of clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon flavors. Feel free to add a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
- Maple Syrup: Opt for pure, REAL maple syrup for the best flavor and texture. Avoid pancake syrups, which are often artificially flavored and won’t yield the same results. Maple syrup not only adds natural sweetness but also helps bind the crumble mixture together and provides a lovely depth of flavor.
- Fine Sea Salt: A pinch of salt is essential! It balances the sweetness of the apples and sugars, enhancing all the other flavors in the bars and preventing them from being overly cloying.
- Coconut Oil: In vegan baking, melted coconut oil acts as our primary fat, replacing butter. It provides moisture, helps create a tender crumb for the bars, and contributes to the golden crust. Ensure it’s melted but not hot when incorporating it into the mixture.
- Flax Egg: A staple in vegan baking, a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) acts as an excellent binder, helping to give the bars their structure and prevent them from crumbling excessively. You can find detailed instructions on how to make a flax egg here.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of good quality vanilla extract always elevates baked goods, adding a warm, aromatic dimension to the overall flavor profile.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: This optional but highly recommended topping ties all the flavors together. Our homemade vegan salted caramel sauce is easy to make and provides that irresistible sweet and salty finish that truly makes these bars unforgettable.
Achieving Perfection: Expert Tips for Your Apple Pie Bars
Follow these tips to ensure your vegan apple pie bars turn out perfectly every time, from a perfectly baked crust to clean, appealing slices:
- Mix the Ingredients Thoroughly for Consistency: When preparing the crumble mixture for the bars, dedicate about 2 minutes to thoroughly combine all ingredients. This ensures that the wet and dry components are evenly distributed throughout, leading to a consistent texture and flavor in every bite and a crust that bakes uniformly. Don’t overmix, though; just enough until everything is well incorporated.
- Always Pre-bake the Bottom Layer: This is a non-negotiable step for these thick and hearty apple pie bars. Skipping the pre-bake for the bottom crust will likely result in a raw, mushy, or easily crumbling base. Simply increasing the overall bake time won’t adequately address this, as the top could burn before the bottom is cooked through. Pre-baking ensures a firm, golden, and delicious foundation for your bars.
- Allow for Complete Cooling Before Slicing: Patience is key here! When your apple pie bars emerge from the oven, they will be soft and delicate. It’s crucial to allow them to cool down completely before attempting to slice them. First, let them sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of one hour (or even longer). This chilling period allows the filling to set and the crust to firm up, guaranteeing clean, neat cuts and preventing the delicious apple filling from sliding out.
- Customize with or Without Caramel: While our homemade salted caramel sauce is highly recommended for an extra layer of decadence, these apple pie bars are wonderfully flavorful even without it. If caramel isn’t your preference, or you’re short on time, feel free to leave it off. They’re still a fantastic treat!
- Line Your Baking Dish: For super easy removal and cleanup, always line your 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This creates “handles” that allow you to lift the entire slab of cooled bars out of the pan effortlessly before slicing.
- Choose Your Apples Wisely: The type of apple you use significantly impacts the final taste and texture. For a balance of sweet and tart, a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith is ideal. If you prefer a sweeter bar, stick with Honeycrisp or Fuji. If you love a tangier note, go heavier on the Granny Smiths.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
These vegan apple pie bars are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways. For the ultimate experience, drizzle the homemade salted caramel sauce generously over each bar just before serving. You can savor these bars chilled from the refrigerator, at comfortable room temperature, or gently warmed for a truly comforting treat. If you prefer them warm, a quick pop in the microwave for a few seconds will do the trick, or heat them lightly in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
While spectacular on their own, to elevate this dessert further, serve a bar with a scoop of creamy vegan vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm apple pie flavors with cold, smooth ice cream is pure bliss. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few chopped toasted pecans can add an extra layer of visual appeal and textural delight.
Storing Your Apple Pie Bars for Freshness
To keep your vegan apple pie bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from drying out. If you prefer to enjoy them at room temperature, simply take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow them to come to the desired temperature. For longer storage, these bars can also be frozen. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature, and warm gently if desired.
Explore More Apple-Inspired Recipes!
If you’ve enjoyed these apple pie bars and are looking for more ways to celebrate the versatile and delicious apple, check out these other fantastic recipes:
- Crispy Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips
- Apple Pie Overnight Oats for a Healthy Breakfast
- Warm Spiced Apple Cider for Cozy Evenings
- Classic Vegan Apple Pie (A Timeless Favorite)
Vegan Apple Pie Bars (with Salted Caramel)
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Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 2 apples, cored, peeled and thinly sliced with a mandolin or sharp knife
- 2 tablespoons oat flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon allspice
Bars (Crust & Topping)
- 1 ¼ cups old fashioned oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons oat flour, can be made by grinding rolled oats
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup real maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 mins)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving (Optional but Recommended)
- Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
Preparing the Apple Filling
- 1. In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, oat flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Mix everything gently until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and flour. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the bars.
Assembling and Baking the Bars
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the bars: old-fashioned oats, oat flour, and baking powder. Stir well with a wooden spoon. Next, add the wet ingredients: coconut sugar, real maple syrup, fine sea salt, melted coconut oil, prepared flax egg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly for about two minutes until all ingredients are well combined and a cohesive crumble mixture forms.
- 2. Divide the crumble mixture roughly in half. Press the first half evenly into the bottom of your prepared 8×8 inch baking dish to create a firm crust. Bake this bottom layer in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This crucial step ensures a sturdy and perfectly baked base.3. Carefully remove the warm, pre-baked crust from the oven. Evenly spread the spiced apple filling over the crust, ensuring it forms a neat layer. Then, crumble the remaining half of the bar mixture over the apple filling, pressing it down very lightly so it adheres without compacting it too much.
- 4. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top crumble is golden brown and the apples are tender. The bars will appear slightly puffy.
- 5. Once baked, allow the apple pie bars to cool completely before slicing. First, let them sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to begin setting. Then, transfer the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour (or longer) until fully firm. This ensures clean, neat slices.
- 6. Once chilled, lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhangs. Slice into 12 or 16 evenly sized bars. Drizzle generously with homemade vegan salted caramel sauce (see instructions below) just before serving. Enjoy these delectable bars cold, warm, or at room temperature!
For the Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1. Follow the separate recipe instructions for making the Vegan Salted Caramel Sauce. Once prepared, drizzle the warm or room-temperature sauce over the cooled apple pie bars. The caramel sauce recipe makes more than you’ll need for these bars, but it stores beautifully in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it with countless other desserts!
Notes
My favorite apples for these bars are Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. The Granny Smith adds a delicious touch of tartness and a firmer texture if you’re looking for some delightful contrast in this recipe. Feel free to mix and match apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile. For best results, ensure your coconut oil is melted but not hot when mixing with other bar ingredients.
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
