Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Craving a delicious fall dessert that’s both simple to make and full of warm, comforting flavors? Then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect treat for you! Combining the buttery richness of a pie crust, tart apples, and gooey salted caramel, these bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie. They’re easy to serve and perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy weekend treat. Read on to discover the step-by-step guide for creating these mouthwatering bars, along with tips, substitutions, and answers to frequently asked questions. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apples and caramel!

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What are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delicious dessert that takes the classic flavors of an apple pie and makes them portable and shareable. Instead of rolling out a traditional pie crust, the dough is pressed into a pan to form the base. A luscious layer of spiced apples goes on top, followed by a streusel topping and a generous drizzle of salted caramel. Once baked, the bars can be sliced into squares, making them easy to serve at gatherings or pack up for a picnic. The combination of sweet, tart apples, buttery crust, and the irresistible contrast of salted caramel makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Crust:

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

Apple Filling:

• 3-4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter touch)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

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Substitutions and Variations

• Crust Substitutes: If you want a healthier or gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix instead of all-purpose flour. For a vegan version, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative.
• Apple Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples. Granny Smith apples provide a tartness that contrasts well with the sweet caramel, but you could also mix them with sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for more complexity.
• Oat-Free Streusel: If oats aren’t your thing, you can replace them with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts. This adds a crunchier texture to the streusel and enhances the nutty flavor.
• Caramel Shortcuts: If making caramel from scratch sounds daunting, you can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time. Just be sure to add a pinch of sea salt to achieve that salted caramel flavor.
• Spices: Customize the spice profile by adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg. This can give the bars a unique, aromatic twist.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth it out. Bake for 15 minutes or until the crust is golden. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and slice the apples thinly, aiming for about ⅛-inch thickness to ensure even cooking. Toss the apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning, then mix in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. This helps to thicken the apple filling while it bakes. Set the mixture aside as you prepare the streusel topping.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles wet sand. It’s okay if there are some small clumps of butter left, as they will melt into the topping while baking, creating that classic streusel texture.

Step 4: Layer the Bars

Once your crust has cooled slightly, spread the apple filling evenly over it, making sure the apples are laid flat. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apples, covering them completely.

Step 5: Bake

Place the assembled bars into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. While the bars are baking, prepare the salted caramel sauce.

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

Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir just until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil. Watch carefully as the sugar turns an amber color, about 5-7 minutes. Once it reaches a deep caramel color, carefully whisk in the heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously). Add the butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Drizzle with Caramel

Once the bars are out of the oven and have cooled for at least 20 minutes, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. If you want extra salted caramel, you can reserve some for serving later.

Step 3: Slice and Serve

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Slice them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred portion size. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to three days.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Crust: When making the crust, don’t overmix the dough, as this can make it tough. You want a soft, crumbly texture.
• Not Peeling the Apples: Leaving the peel on the apples can result in a tough texture after baking, so it’s best to peel them.
• Burning the Caramel: Caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. Be sure to watch the sugar carefully as it cooks, and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns a deep amber color.
• Cutting Bars Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Cutting them while too warm can cause them to fall apart.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for any time of day. For an extra indulgent touch, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re serving these at a party or holiday gathering, you can arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board or a decorative platter. Drizzle extra salted caramel over the bars just before serving to give them that extra wow factor. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt, a few apple slices, or even some chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.

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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make the crust and apple filling a day ahead and refrigerate them until ready to assemble and bake.
• Caramel Consistency: If your caramel sauce becomes too thick, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop for a few seconds before drizzling it over the bars.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes! If you're short on time, feel free to use pre-made caramel sauce. Just be sure to add a pinch of sea salt to create the perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Q: What’s the best type of apple to use for this recipe?
A: Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness complements the sweetness of the caramel. However, you can mix them with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added flavor.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour in both the crust and streusel with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.

Q: How do I prevent the caramel from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the sugar as it caramelizes, and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches an amber color. Don’t walk away from the stovetop while making caramel!

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Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a decadent, delicious, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a generous drizzle of salted caramel, these bars are sure to become a favorite fall treat. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a cozy dessert at home, they’re guaranteed to impress. Be sure to try out the variations and tips mentioned to make the recipe your own!

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