Give apple pie a new look with these Dulce de Leche Apple Pie Bars. They’re packed with caramel flavor, tender apples, and a buttery crumble that tastes like fall!
These Dulce de Leche Apple Pie Bars are a rich, irresistible twist on a classic dessert, layering dulce de leche between a layer of shortbread crust and a tender apple crumble. These Dulce de Leche Apple Pie Bars are a rich, irresistible twist on a classic dessert, layering dulce de leche between a layer of shortbread crust and a tender apple crumble. It truly takes apple pie to the next level!
For more bar recipes that are easy and fun to make, you have to check out my Carrot Cake Bars, Apple Bars, and Frozen Yogurt Bars.
Table of Contents
Why We Love Apple Pie Bars
- It’s a fun twist on a classic apple pie.
- The bars are perfectly portioned and easy to serve when it comes to holidays or group gatherings.
- A great way to use extra apples you have lying around.
Recipe Ingredients
Apples – Sweet and tart apples keep the bars moist and bring that classic pie flavor. Try mixing different varieties for more depth.
Dulce de Leche – Rich and creamy, adds caramel goodness that pairs well with the apples. Warming it slightly before using helps it spread evenly.
Butter – Use cold butter for a flaky texture.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Apple Varieties – Use a mix of Granny Smith apples, Jonagold, Gala, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious apples for a balanced flavor and texture.
Topping Options – Drizzle the bars with melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or extra dulce de leche for a touch of decadence. Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream gives a classic touch.
How to Make Dulce de Leche Apple Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: To prepare the dough, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, vanilla, and ice water. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Cut the butter into the mixture with a pastry blender until pea-sized clumps form. Knead the dough into a ball, then pat it flat and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Meanwhile, to prepare the filling, combine the apple slices, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in a large bowl. Toss together to coat evenly.
Step 4: After the dough has chilled, roll it out into a 9×13-inch rectangle. Place it in the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 5: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together. Using a pastry blender, cut in the cold cubed butter until small clumps form. Pour the apples into the pan over the pastry dough. Press to create an even layer, then spoon the dulce de leche roll over the top. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top begins to brown. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool for 45 minutes before cutting and serving.
FAQs
Peeling is recommended for a smoother filling, but you can leave the skins on for extra texture if you prefer.
Yes, store-bought dulce de leche works perfectly for this recipe. It is often found in the baking aisle or with specialty condiments. You can also make Dulce de Leche at home using sweetened condensed milk.
Storage Information
STORE the Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. For longer storage, FREEZE the bars in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. To REHEAT, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness and texture.
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Dulce de Leche Apple Pie Bars Recipe
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Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 7 Tbsp butter - cold and cut into 1/4" pieces
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 1/2 Tbsp ice water
For the Filling
- 4 apples - peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup dulce de leche
For the Crumb Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter - cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- To prepare the dough, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, vanilla, and ice water. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture, mixing until combined. Cut the butter into the mixture with a pastry blender until pea-sized clumps form. Knead the dough into a ball, then pat it flat and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, to prepare the filling, combine the apple slices, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla in a large bowl. Toss together to coat evenly.
- After the dough has chilled, roll it out into a 9×13-inch rectangle. Place it in the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk together. Using a pastry blender, cut in the cold cubed butter until small clumps form. Pour the apples into the pan over the pastry dough. Press to create an even layer, then spoon the dulce de leche over the top. Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top begins to brown. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool for 45 minutes before cutting and serving.
I love dulce de leche and these bars were fantastic!
Can I use apple pie filling or will it be too sweet?
Hi Lilly, we haven’t tried it that way, but if you want give it a go.
These sounds amazing, how long will they keep once made?
I generally keep baked goods on the counter for 3 days, in the refrigerator for 5. Hope that helps 🙂
Sounds delish! What happens with the dulce de leche? I think a step is missing
You just spoon it over the apples. I’m not sure how I forgot that step! It’s an important one 🙂
These look phenomenal, they’re going straight in to my lunchbox planner! I love recipes that are equal parts fast and delicious.