Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are not only delicious but also a breeze to make. Imagine layers of spiced apples nestled between a buttery oat crumble crust, all topped off with a luscious drizzle of salted caramel. It’s like apple pie, but in bar form—perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying during a quiet evening at home.

This recipe is special to me because it combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and caramel with the joy of baking, making it an instant favorite for any occasion. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up on busy weeknights or to impress guests at your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: No need to roll out pie crusts! The crumble serves as both the base and topping.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet bars; they are perfect for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the salted caramel ahead of time and store it for later use.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel creates an irresistible dessert experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or just a mid-week treat, these bars fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather up some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. You might already have many of these staples in your pantry!

For the Apple Filling

• 5 medium apples, sliced between 1/8 and 1/4 thick (744 grams sliced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (21 grams)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (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 or weighed out (390 grams)
• 2 cups old-fashioned whole 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

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have at home or personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to your bars.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out some apples for pears or berries for a twist on flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with ginger or cardamom for an extra kick of warmth.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free treat.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350℉. This ensures that your bars bake evenly throughout. While it warms up, grab a 9×13 pan, spray it with nonstick spray, and line it with parchment paper. The overhang will help you lift out the bars later—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together those beautiful apple slices with lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Stir gently so you don’t break any apple slices—this step is crucial as it brings out their natural sweetness while ensuring they’re perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

In a large bowl, melt your butter until it’s nice and warm but not bubbling. Stir in the remaining crust ingredients until well combined; this mixture will be crumbly yet hold together when pressed. It’s key because this will form both your base and topping.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Now comes the fun part! Reserve about 2 cups of the crust mixture for topping later. Press the rest firmly into your prepared pan—this layer should be nice and even. Spoon the apple filling on top while leaving behind any excess liquid; then sprinkle that reserved crumbly mixture over everything.

Step 5: Bake Away!

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 38 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when the topping is golden brown and you can easily pierce through with a fork. Let them cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing; this helps set everything nicely.

Step 6: Make Your Salted Caramel Sauce

While those delicious bars are baking away, take this time to whip up your salted caramel sauce using my detailed recipe linked here! It’s super easy but makes all the difference in flavor.

Step 7: Serve & Store

Once cooled, slice those lovely bars into squares and drizzle each piece with salted caramel sauce as desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll keep well for about three to four days!

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prepare ahead? You can make that scrumptious caramel sauce up to three days beforehand! Just reheat it gently in the microwave when you’re ready to use it. The bars can also be made one day ahead—let them cool completely before refrigerating.

Enjoy every bite of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars; they’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen too!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Creating the perfect batch of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is all about the little details. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out heavenly!

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination gives your filling a delightful balance of flavors and keeps the bars from being overly sweet.

• Don’t Overmix the Crust Mixture: When combining your crust ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars, while a gentle hand results in a tender, crumbly texture.

• Let Them Cool: After baking, resist the temptation to slice right away! Allowing the bars to cool for 1-2 hours helps them set up nicely and makes cutting much easier without crumbling.

• Use Quality Salted Caramel Sauce: A homemade salted caramel sauce can elevate your bars from delicious to divine. If you’re short on time, look for high-quality store-bought options that use natural ingredients.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste. Adding a little extra cinnamon or even a dash of ginger can create a warm, inviting flavor profile perfect for fall.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serving these delectable Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be just as fun as making them! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds creaminess and complements the sweetness of the caramel perfectly.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle for an added crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples.
• Cinnamon Dust: A light dusting of ground cinnamon or cinnamon sugar gives your bars an extra pop of warmth and makes them visually appealing.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts wonderfully over warm pie bars, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and texture.
• Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce not only adds color but also brings a zesty tang that balances out the sweetness of the bars.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea pairs nicely, enhancing the flavors of your dessert while providing a comforting beverage option.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can lighten up your dessert table and provide a burst of freshness alongside those rich pie bars.

With these serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress everyone at your next gathering! Enjoy every bite of this autumn-inspired treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! Not only do they make a delightful dessert, but they also store well, allowing you to savor the flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
• Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing

• If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully!
• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy them warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of bars on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick option.

FAQs

If you’re curious about making these delicious bars, here are some common questions!

Can I use different types of apples for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart contrast, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for added flavor and texture.

How do I make the salted caramel sauce for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

You can make the salted caramel sauce by melting sugar until it’s golden brown, then slowly adding butter and cream while stirring continuously. For detailed instructions, check my salted caramel recipe!

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

How long will Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars last in the fridge?

These tasty bars will last about 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars as much as I did! With their rich flavors and comforting textures, they’re sure to become a favorite at your fall gatherings or any cozy evening at home. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share this delightful recipe with friends and family. Happy baking!