Healthier Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These salted caramel apple pie bars are gluten-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly! Not to mention they are to die for! A healthier version but will still have you coming back for more! 

I have been on a baking kick lately and I’m super excited to share one of my latest creations with you!

These bars are perfect for a snack or dessert and the best part is all of the whole ingredients! 

People cannot wrap their brains around healthy baking, but it is possible and the ideas are endless!

Don’t believe me? Check out my Instagram and see the number of things I come up with that is free of processed ingredients and everyone is in love with the taste!

These remind me of apple pie, but in my opinion, are much better and easier to make! They’re also less messy 🙂

What Do I Need To Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars? 

Flour – You will need almond flour and coconut flour. My one tip is to be sure you pack the flour to get the right amount! 

Oil – I’m using coconut oil for the crust, just remember to melt it!

If you’re not vegan, feel free to use butter. You can also use vegan butter as well.

Apples – Use your favorite, but I recommend Granny Smith!

These are great for baking and don’t add a ton of extra sweetness.

You can always use a half-and-half blend as well if you can’t decide on just one!

Applesauce – This helps to cut down on fattier ingredients such as butter or oil. It also adds some extra apple flavor.

If you are using store-bought, be sure to grab unsweetened.

Nuts – These are optional but I highly recommend adding some walnuts or pecans.

Caramel sauce – This will add the perfect drizzle on top of the apple bars.

Other Ingredients: Cinnamon, maple syrup, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt.

Tips for making

Varieties of Apples that can be used

Sweeter apples that you can use are Gala, Jazz, Honeycrisp, and Fuji.

Options for tart apples are Granny Smith, Jonathan, and Braeburn.

I really like Granny Smith because they don’t get mushy when baking and aren’t overly sweet.

The sweetness really comes from the applesauce and maple syrup in this recipe. 

Are Caramel Apple Bars Freezer Friendly? 

Yep! If you know ahead of time you are going to freeze, I recommend holding off on the caramel drizzle until you are ready to serve.

Once you take them out of the freezer, just let them come to room temperature then add the caramel. 

• Be sure to line your pan with parchment paper 
• Using a food processor makes this recipe super easy and cleanup minimal. I have the Ninja Foodi and absolutely love it! 
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days 
• When melting your chocolate with the coconut oil be sure to not let it burn. You can microwave in 15-20 second increments then stir until completely smooth.

Can I Use Homemade Applesauce? 

Absolutely! You will still use the same recommended amount listed in the recipe. 

I’m addicted to Instagram, so be sure you tag me after making this sweet treat so I can check them out! 

What’s your FAVORITE apple dessert?

Other Apple Recipes That Are Delicious: 

• Apple Pie Cookies
• Cinnamon Apple Bread
• Apple Walnut Crisp
• Applesauce Chocolate Chip Cookies

PIN ME FOR LATER

Healthier Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These salted caramel apple pie bars are gluten free, vegan, and paleo-friendly! Not to mention they are to die for! A healthier version but will still have you coming back for more! 

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 2 cups Almond Flour packed
• 2 tbsp Coconut Flour packed
• 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 3 1/2 tbsp Coconut Oil melted
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

For the filling

• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce store-bought or homemade
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 cup Chopped Apples

Other

• 1 cup Chopped Walnuts optional
• 1/4-1/3 cup caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.
• To make your crust, combine all crust ingredients into a food processor. Pulse until a dough-like texture forms. If the dough is too dry, add more maple syrup. Press dough into the pan in an even layer. Place in the oven and bake for 15 mins, or until edges are brown and center is cooked through. (You don’t want it too soft or the crust won’t hold the filling). Set aside and cool. Leave oven on
• While the crust cools, begin making your filling. Pour all filling ingredients into a saucepan and stir on medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until mixture thickens. If you need it thicker, add a little more cornstarch.
• Once the crust has cooled, pour your filling on the crust and top the bars off with walnuts. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
• Remove bars from the oven, warm-up your caramel sauce and drizzle on top. Allow them to cool before slicing. Store in the refrigerator.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!