Scrumptious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe for Fall Bliss

Craving a decadent salted caramel apple pie bars twist on classic desserts?

Sweet and salty notes dance together in this irresistible treat that blends crisp autumn apples with rich caramel layers.

Buttery shortbread creates a sturdy foundation for tender fruit and gooey caramel swirls.

Warm spices whisper hints of cinnamon and nutmeg throughout each delectable bite.

Homemade comfort emerges from every carefully crafted square, promising pure indulgence.

Each slice delivers a perfect balance between crunchy crust and silky filling.

Let’s unwrap this delightful recipe that will make you the star of any gathering.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars That Disappear Quickly

• Slice and Savor Dessert: Easy-to-serve bars perfect for cutting into bite-sized pieces, making sharing and portion control a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Delightful blend of sweet apples, buttery crust, crunchy streusel, and rich salted caramel that appeals to all taste buds.
• Versatile Treat for Any Occasion: Suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, bake sales, or simply satisfying a sweet craving with minimal kitchen effort.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing stress-free dessert planning for busy home bakers.

Ingredient List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that creates a sturdy and crisp foundation for the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps bind the crust together.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that forms the heart of the dessert.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling and prevent excess moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apple mixture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic spice to the apple filling.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor to complement the apples.

• Old-Fashioned Oats, All-Purpose Flour: Create a crunchy, textured topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a caramelized top.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the streusel.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Helps create a crumbly, rich streusel texture.

• Salted Caramel Sauce: Adds a luxurious, sweet-salty finish to the bars.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bar Steps

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 300F (149C).

Line an 8-inch square pan completely with parchment paper, ensuring corners are covered for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Golden Crust

• Melted butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Add flour and mix until combined.

Press mixture firmly into pan, creating an even layer.

Bake for 15 minutes until edges turn light golden.

Step 3: Develop Delicious Apple Layer

• Sliced apples
• Flour
• Sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Gently toss apples until completely coated with spices and flour.

Step 4: Whip Up Crunchy Streusel Topping

• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Flour

Cut cold butter into mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Layer and Assemble

Spread apple filling evenly over baked crust, pressing down gently.

Sprinkle streusel topping generously across apple layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Increase oven temperature to 350F (177C).

Bake for 30-35 minutes until top turns deep golden brown and filling bubbles slightly.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Allow bars to cool at room temperature for 20 minutes.

Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to help layers set perfectly.

Step 8: Serve and Indulge

Slice into beautiful bars.

Drizzle with rich salted caramel sauce.

Enjoy your magnificent dessert!

Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bar Perfection

• Choose crisp, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your pie bars.
• Toss sliced apples with lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent oxidation during preparation.
• Use the back of a measuring cup or smooth spatula to create an even, compact crust layer for consistent baking.
• Refrigerating the bars helps them set firmly, making clean, precise cuts easier when serving.
• Warm the salted caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to achieve a smooth, elegant presentation on the bars.

Apple Pie Bar Flavor Twists to Try Soon

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in crust and streusel for celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup instead of sugar, and add plant-based caramel sauce for dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce sugar content, and incorporate fresh berries for natural sweetness.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to streusel topping for extra texture and rich, earthy flavor profile.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Sweet Breakfast Pairing: Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of cinnamon coffee or creamy vanilla latte for a delightful morning treat that complements the pie's rich flavors.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Dust the bars with powdered sugar, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and garnish with a fresh mint leaf for an Instagram-worthy presentation that elevates the dessert.
• Cozy Autumn Gathering: Perfect for fall potlucks or family gatherings, these bars can be easily transported and shared, offering a delicious slice of seasonal comfort that everyone will love.
• Gourmet Gift Idea: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a ribbon, creating a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and spreads joy through a delectable, personal touch.

Storing Apple Pie Bars for Freshness Each Time

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Place bars in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm bars at 300F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy texture and bring out the caramel's richness. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Warm individual bars for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to maintain the bar's delicate texture.

FAQs

• Are the apple bars easy to make?

These bars are beginner-friendly with simple steps and basic ingredients. Each layer is straightforward to prepare, requiring minimal baking skills and common kitchen tools.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown streusel topping and slightly bubbling edges. The apples should be tender but not mushy, and the crust should be lightly golden around the edges.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn work best. Choose firm apples that hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness for the filling.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade salted caramel apple pie bars blend sweet and salty flavors into irresistible dessert perfection. Warm autumn spices and rich caramel create a delightful treat that brings comfort and joy to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (43 g / 1.5 oz) old-fashioned oats

Crust and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (70 g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons / 57 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (31 g / 1.1 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Caramel and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Salted caramel: homemade or store-bought

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300F (149C) and prepare an 8-inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Create the buttery crust by combining melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate flour until a cohesive mixture forms, then firmly press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly set.
3. Prepare the apple filling by gently coating sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring each slice is evenly seasoned and protected from oxidation.
4. Craft the streusel topping by mixing oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly texture.
5. Assemble the bars by carefully arranging the seasoned apple slices over the pre-baked crust, pressing them down gently to create a compact layer. Generously sprinkle the prepared streusel over the apples.
6. Increase oven temperature to 350F (177C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown streusel and bubbling edges indicating complete cooking.
7. Allow the baked bars to cool at room temperature for 20 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to set and enhance flavor development.
8. Slice into perfect squares and finish by drizzling with salted caramel, creating an indulgent dessert ready to serve and enjoy.

Notes

• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your bars.
• Ensure butter is cold when making streusel to create those delightful, crumbly clusters that add amazing crunch.
• Use a sharp knife to slice apples uniformly, which helps create even layers and consistent baking throughout the dessert.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend in both crust and streusel components.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 185 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg