Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve found it! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, minus all the fuss of a traditional crust. The warm spices and sweet caramel create a comforting treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea after a long day. What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up – it feels like you’re indulging in something fancy, but it’s so simple!

Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to spoil yourself, these bars will surely impress. They have that satisfying crunch from the oat crumble topping and a luscious layer of spiced apples in between. And let’s not forget the generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce that takes them over the top!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can bake up this delicious treat without any complicated techniques.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves apple pie, and these bars are no exception! They’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: Perfect for busy days! You can prepare the caramel ahead of time or make the bars in advance and chill them until you’re ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices and sweet apples paired with salted caramel is absolutely irresistible.
• Versatile Dessert: These bars are great warm, at room temperature, or cold – making them perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather up some simple and wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. You’ll find everything you need right here to make this scrumptious dessert!

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/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 wonderfully flexible! You can easily tweak it based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: For extra crunch, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the apple filling.
• Use different fruits: Experiment with pears or berries for a fruity twist!
• Spice it up: Try adding a dash of ginger or cardamom along with the other spices for added warmth.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350℉. While it’s heating up, grab your 9×13 pan! Spray it with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the ends so you can easily lift out those delicious bars once they’re baked.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together your sliced apples with lemon juice and all those wonderful spices. Stir gently using a silicone spatula—this helps keep those lovely apple slices intact while ensuring they soak up all that flavor. Set this mixture aside; we want those flavors to meld!

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

In a large bowl, melt your salted butter. Once it’s nice and melted, stir in all the remaining crust ingredients. This creates that yummy crumble mixture that will serve as both your crust and topping.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Now comes the fun part! Reserve about 2 cups of that crust mixture for later. Press the rest into your prepared pan to form an even base. Then give your apple filling another gentle stir before spooning it evenly over the crust. Leaving behind any excess liquid ensures your bars won’t be soggy. Finally, sprinkle that reserved crust mixture on top – it’s going to be amazing!

Step 5: Bake It Up

Pop your assembled pan into the oven and bake for about 38 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the topping turns golden brown and those apples feel tender when poked with a fork. Let them cool on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours; this cooling time is essential for clean slicing later!

Step 6: Make Your Salted Caramel Sauce

While those bars are cooling down, take this time to whip up some homemade salted caramel sauce following my detailed recipe here. Trust me; it’ll be worth every step!

Step 7: Serve & Store

When you’re ready to share these beauties with friends or family, slice them into bars and drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

Want to get ahead? You can make that caramel sauce up to three days in advance! Just reheat it gently in the microwave before serving. The bars themselves can also be made one day ahead—just let them cool at room temperature before chilling them until you’re ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Making these bars can be a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll elevate your baking game to perfection!

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination provides a balanced flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bars.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice to your apple filling prevents browning and adds a nice zing to the apples. It helps brighten the flavors and keeps them fresh!
• Use Cold Butter for Crust: If you prefer an extra crumbly texture, use cold butter when preparing your crust mixture. This helps create a flakier topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender apple filling.
• Let Them Cool Before Slicing: Allowing the bars to cool completely on a wire rack is essential for clean cuts. This step ensures they hold their shape when you slice them into bars, making them perfect for serving.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend in your apple mixture! Adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger can provide an exciting twist that makes these bars uniquely yours.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars not only taste scrumptious but also present beautifully. Here are some ideas on how to serve them up for any occasion!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a luscious, dairy-free touch that complements the caramel perfectly.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle for added crunch and richness. They introduce an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with apples.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving elevates both presentation and flavor, giving these bars an irresistible finishing touch.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream next to these warm bars creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture—perfect for satisfying sweet cravings!
• Hot Tea or Coffee: Serving your bars alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances their comforting vibe. The warmth complements the spices while providing a cozy pairing.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the bars. Choose seasonal fruits like pears or berries to bring out all the flavors of fall!
• Pumpkin Soup: For a heartier meal, pairing these dessert bars with a light pumpkin soup creates an inviting autumn feast that warms both heart and soul.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dessert whenever a craving hits.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you’ve added the salted caramel, it’s best to refrigerate them regardless.
• Keep any leftover caramel sauce in an airtight jar or container in the fridge.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the bars and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm.
• Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a warm treat, microwave individual bars for 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
• Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce before serving for that fresh-baked taste!

FAQs

If you have questions about making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use a different type of apple for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use any variety such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just ensure they hold their shape when baked.

How do I know when my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are done baking?

The bars are ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples feel tender when pierced with a fork. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars as much as I do! They’re not only delightful but also incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or savoring them at home, these bars promise warmth and comfort with every bite. Happy baking!