Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert to celebrate fall, look no further than Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! Combining the classic flavors of a traditional apple pie with the rich, indulgent taste of salted caramel, these bars offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a slice of autumn. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, enjoying them after dinner, or sharing them with friends, these bars are a surefire hit. Follow along with this easy-to-follow recipe, packed with pro tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions to help you achieve caramel apple perfection. Read on to discover how to make this irresistible treat!

What Are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, but in bar form. They feature a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of cinnamon-spiced apples, a crunchy oat crumble topping, and a drizzle of rich, homemade salted caramel sauce. Each bite provides a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. These bars are easier to make than a full pie and perfect for feeding a crowd at family gatherings or special events.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• A pinch of nutmeg

For the Oat Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is how customizable they are. Here are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try:

• Butter Substitution: You can use margarine or plant-based butter alternatives if you're looking for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it's a firm type for the crust.
• Apples: While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter twist.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Salted Caramel Variations: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. Just sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top to mimic the homemade salted caramel flavor.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for added crunch and texture.
• Spices: If you love spice, consider adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to the apple mixture for extra warmth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars turn out perfectly, follow these steps closely. Don’t rush through the process, as each layer plays a crucial role in the final product.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture will resemble wet sand. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth layer. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Make sure the apples are evenly coated.

Step 4: Make the Oat Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Place in the refrigerator to keep cold while you finish assembling the bars.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars

Once the shortbread crust has cooled slightly, spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping over the apples, making sure to cover as much as possible.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Place the assembled bars in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The apple filling should bubble slightly around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

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

1. Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce:
While your bars are baking, it's time to make the salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar fully melts and turns an amber color. Carefully add the butter and whisk until combined. Slowly add the room-temperature heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Stir in the sea salt and remove from heat. Let the sauce cool slightly before drizzling.

2. Cut and Drizzle:
Once the bars have cooled completely, use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the baking dish. Slice into squares or rectangles. Just before serving, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top of each bar.

3. Optional: Serve with Ice Cream:
For an extra indulgent treat, serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars come out perfectly, keep these common mistakes in mind:

• Overmixing the Crust: When making the shortbread crust, make sure to mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough, rather than tender, base.
• Not Letting the Caramel Cool: If your salted caramel sauce is too hot when drizzled over the bars, it can make them soggy. Always let the sauce cool slightly before using it.
• Not Baking Long Enough: Make sure the apple filling is fully cooked and the topping is golden brown before removing the bars from the oven. Undercooked apples can leave the bars too watery.
• Cutting the Bars Too Early: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Cutting them while warm can cause them to fall apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars the star of the dessert table, focus on how you serve and present them.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Chilled or Warm: These bars are delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve them chilled for a firmer texture.
• Coffee or Tea Pairing: For a cozy fall experience, serve the bars alongside a warm cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even hot cider.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Drizzle Art: Create a beautiful caramel drizzle pattern over the bars just before serving. Use a piping bag or a spoon to achieve a more professional look.
• Sprinkle of Sea Salt: For an elegant touch, add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each bar after drizzling with caramel. This adds visual appeal and enhances the salted caramel flavor.
• Rustic Plating: Present the bars on a wooden board or vintage-style plate for a rustic, autumnal look. Garnish with fresh apple slices, cinnamon sticks, or a sprig of rosemary.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and wait to drizzle the caramel until just before serving.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.
• Freezing: Freeze the bars without the caramel drizzle for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and drizzle with caramel before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! While homemade salted caramel is delicious, store-bought caramel sauce works just as well. Just sprinkle some sea salt on top to capture that sweet-salty balance.

Q: What kind of apples should I use?
A: Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tart flavor and firm texture, but you can use any apples you have on hand. Just remember, sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will result in a sweeter overall flavor.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and the crumble topping.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! If you need more bars, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or bake in two 9x13-inch pans.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are everything you love about apple pie, but in a more convenient, crowd-friendly form. With their buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, crunchy oat topping, and luscious salted caramel drizzle, they’re sure to be a hit. Whether you're whipping them up for a fall gathering, a family dessert, or just because you’re craving something sweet and salty, this recipe is easy to follow and will deliver on flavor every time. Enjoy!

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