Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Delightful Dessert Treat

If you’re looking for a perfect blend of sweet and savory, look no further than Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. These delicious bars combine tender, spiced apples with a buttery, crumbly crust, all topped off with a rich, homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy evening at home, these bars promise to deliver a treat that will leave your taste buds delighted!

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to try Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Firstly, their flavor is simply irresistible; the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg complements the tartness of the apples beautifully. Secondly, these bars are incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for busy bakers. Finally, the combination of the crispy crust and the gooey salted caramel elevates this dessert to a whole new level, ensuring that every bite is delightful.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Here’s a step-by-step guide for making these mouthwatering bars:

Ingredients

5 medium apples, sliced (about 744 grams)
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (21 grams)
1/3 cup light brown sugar (73 grams)
1 tbsp cinnamon (7 grams)
3/8 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Pinch of salt
1 and 1/2 cups salted butter, melted (340 grams or 24 tbsp)
3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (195 grams)
1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed (330 grams)
1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
Pinch of fine sea salt

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
In a medium bowl, toss together the apple slices with lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and set aside.
In a large bowl, melt the butter. Add the remaining crust ingredients and stir until well combined.
Reserve 2 cups (about 330 grams) of the crust mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Spoon the spiced apple mixture over the crust, leaving the excess liquid in the bowl. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top.
Bake the bars for 38 to 45 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and the apples tender when pierced with a fork. Let the bars cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before slicing.
Prepare the salted caramel sauce as directed in a separate recipe.
When ready to serve, slice the bars and drizzle with salted caramel. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

For an enticing presentation, serve the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars warm or at room temperature, drizzled generously with salted caramel sauce. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added indulgence!

How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

To maintain freshness, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the caramel sauce is also stored in an airtight container if you have leftovers.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
Ensure the apples are sliced evenly for uniform cooking.
Make the salted caramel sauce ahead of time to save on prep time.

Variations

You can experiment with different types of apples or even add nuts for added crunch! Consider substituting half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique flavor twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade salted caramel adds a special touch, store-bought caramel is a quick and convenient alternative.

2. Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

3. What is the best type of apples to use for this recipe?
Good options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples, as they hold their shape well and pair nicely with the sugary caramel and spices.

Now you’re all set to create this delicious dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your baking adventure with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

A delightful dessert treat combining tender, spiced apples with a buttery, crumbly crust, topped with a rich homemade salted caramel sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 15

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling

5 medium medium apples, sliced (about 744 grams) Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp all-purpose flour (21 grams)
1/3 cup light brown sugar (73 grams)
1 tbsp cinnamon (7 grams)
3/8 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Pinch of salt

For the Crust and Topping

1 and 1/2 cups salted butter, melted (340 grams or 24 tbsp)
3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (390 grams)
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (195 grams)
1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed (330 grams)
1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
1/2 cup heavy cream (135 grams) plus 1 tbsp
Pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
In a medium bowl, toss together the apple slices with lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently and set aside.
In a large bowl, melt the butter. Add the remaining crust ingredients and stir until well combined.
Reserve 2 cups (about 330 grams) of the crust mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the prepared pan.

Baking

Spoon the spiced apple mixture over the crust, leaving the excess liquid in the bowl. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top.
Bake the bars for 38 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Let the bars cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours before slicing.