Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Craving something sweet and deliciously comforting? These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will hit the spot! With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and indulgent drizzle of salted caramel, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you're planning a family gathering, a cozy evening at home, or need to bring a crowd-pleasing treat to a potluck, this recipe is bound to become your new favorite. Keep reading to learn exactly how to make these irresistible bars from scratch, with tips, substitutions, and step-by-step instructions!

What Are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines all the best elements of a traditional apple pie with a rich layer of salted caramel, all in the form of easy-to-eat bars. These dessert bars feature a buttery, shortbread-like crust as the base, a cinnamon-spiced apple filling in the middle, and are topped with a crunchy crumble topping. The pièce de résistance is the generous drizzle of salted caramel that adds a sophisticated flavor contrast to the sweetness of the apples. These bars are portable, sliceable, and the perfect alternative to a full pie when you're craving something quick, but equally delicious.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

To make these bars, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples, along with fresh apples and a jar of salted caramel sauce. Below is the complete list of ingredients for each component of the recipe.

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• A pinch of salt

For the Salted Caramel Topping:

• 1 cup store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce (you can find a recipe in the FAQs section if you want to make it from scratch)

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can consider, based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal, but feel free to use your favorite variety or a combination of several types. Fuji or Gala apples will yield a sweeter filling, while Pink Lady apples add a nice balance of tartness.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour. Make sure to double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Butter Substitutes: If you need a dairy-free option, replace the butter with vegan butter sticks or coconut oil. Note that coconut oil will give a slight tropical flavor to the crust and crumble, which can be a fun twist.
• Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you prefer, you can make your own salted caramel sauce instead of using store-bought. A homemade version will give you more control over the saltiness and consistency. (See the FAQ section for a recipe.)
• Spices: Customize the flavor of your apple filling by playing around with different spice blends. You can add cloves, ginger, or cardamom for a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the detailed steps for preparing these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced baker; this recipe is simple to follow and foolproof if you take it step by step!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the dough just comes together.

Take about ⅔ of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form an even layer of crust. Set the remaining crumble mixture aside for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In another mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This helps prevent browning and adds a hint of acidity. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle this mixture over the apples and toss until the apple slices are evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking pan. Make sure the apples are distributed in a single layer to ensure even baking. Take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it over the apples.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is firm and the apples are bubbling slightly.

Step 6: Drizzle with Salted Caramel

Once the bars are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes. While still warm, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. If the sauce is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to drizzle.

How to Cook Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a recap of the process:

1. Preheat Oven: 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch pan.
2. Make Crust and Crumble: Combine dry ingredients with cold butter. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the pan.
3. Prepare Apple Filling: Toss apples with sugar, spices, and lemon juice.
4. Assemble: Spread apples over crust, sprinkle with remaining crumble.
5. Bake: 40-45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Drizzle: Add warm salted caramel after baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Dough: When making the crust, avoid overworking the dough. You want it to stay light and crumbly, so mix just until it comes together.
• Using the Wrong Apples: Not all apples are suited for baking. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy when baked.
• Skipping the Salted Caramel Drizzle: This might seem like a small detail, but the salted caramel truly elevates the dish. Don’t skip it!
• Cutting the Bars Too Soon: It’s tempting to slice into these bars right out of the oven, but wait until they cool down slightly to ensure clean cuts and neat servings.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars have cooled, you can slice them into neat squares or rectangles. Here are some tips for serving and presenting them:

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Serve the bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
• Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra salted caramel.
• Enjoy them as they are with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy autumn dessert.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Rustic Look: Serve the bars on a wooden tray or cutting board for a rustic, country-style presentation.
• Holiday Flair: Garnish each bar with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or extra cinnamon for a festive holiday look.
• Elegant Plating: Drizzle more salted caramel on the plate before placing the bar on top, and add a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick as a decorative garnish.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Making Caramel from Scratch: If you prefer homemade caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan, stirring constantly until it turns amber. Add 6 tablespoons of butter, followed by ½ cup of heavy cream and a generous pinch of sea salt. Stir until smooth.
• Storage Tips: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well; just wrap them tightly and thaw before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! These bars taste even better the next day, so feel free to bake them a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container.

2. Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars? Absolutely. After baking, let the bars cool completely before wrapping them tightly and freezing. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I make my own salted caramel sauce? Yes, see the recipe tip section above for a simple homemade caramel recipe.

4. Can I use a different type of fruit? Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries. Just adjust the sugar accordingly.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, fruity and buttery, and are ideal for fall or any time you're craving comfort food. Whether you're enjoying them fresh out of the oven or after they've cooled, the combination of tender apples, crunchy crumble, and gooey caramel will make this dessert a hit. Try this recipe today and wow your friends and family with a new take on a classic pie!

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