• Preheat the oven to 350F/177C and line an 8"X8" pan with parchment paper so the parchment paper hangs over the sides of the pan. Set aside.

For the crust:

• Place the butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt with the paddle attachment and mix until combined.
• Take two-thirds of the dough and add to an 8x8-inch baking pan. Press it lightly with the floured bottom of a measuring cup. Press dough out 1/2 inch up the sides.
• Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and set aside to cool while you make the apple filling.

Make the apple filling:

• Combine the sliced peeled apples, lemon juice, tapioca flour, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt together in a large bowl until all of the apples are evenly coated.
• Evenly layer the apples on top crust. It will look like there are too many apple slices, so layer them tightly and press them down to fit. Pinch medium pieces of the remaining dough with your fingers and drop them evenly on top of the apples (they will not be covered).
• Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until top crust is golden brown.
• Let them cool completely as they need to set up. Lift the parchment out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut it into bars. Once cut, drizzle some salted caramel sauce on top of each. These apple pie bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.