The Ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe for Fall Bliss

Crafting a delectable salted caramel apple pie bars recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure that will spark joy in your kitchen.

Sweet and salty flavors dance together in this irresistible dessert.

Crisp autumn apples blend perfectly with rich, golden caramel.

Layers of buttery crust and tender fruit create a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm hug.

Homemade treats always taste better when made with love and care.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and indulgence.

Let’s uncover the magic of this simple yet extraordinary dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Variations on Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend in the crust for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based caramel sauce, and swap regular sugar with coconut sugar.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar, and reduce caramel sauce amount for diabetic-friendly treat.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip almond flour if using, replace with oat flour or additional gluten-free flour blend to accommodate nut allergies.

Serving Suggestions for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Dessert Companion Delights: Fresh vanilla ice cream creates a creamy contrast against the warm, spiced apple bars, melting softly on top.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Serve these bars as a stunning dessert centerpiece during weekend gatherings, presenting them on a rustic wooden board for elegant appeal.
• Coffee Corner Treat: Pair with a hot cappuccino or strong espresso to complement the sweet caramel and rich apple flavors, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Gifting Option: Package individual bars in clear cellophane with a ribbon for a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and warm hospitality.

How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Store leftover bars in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preserving their delicious texture.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tasty treat is always ready.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bars at 300F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy crust and bring back the warm, gooey caramel flavor.
• Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds on medium power, checking to prevent overheating and maintain the bar's delightful texture.

FAQs

• Are these bars easy to make for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is straightforward and requires basic baking skills. The steps are simple to follow, and you don’t need advanced pastry-making techniques.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Definitely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness during baking.

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

Look for a golden-brown crust and topping. The edges should be slightly crispy, and the center should be set but still slightly soft when touched.

What Makes Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars So Flavorful

• Unpack Flavor Complexity: Layers of buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and rich salted caramel create an irresistible dessert experience that elevates traditional apple pie.
• Simplify Baking Process: Bars format makes this recipe more approachable than traditional pie, reducing preparation time and technical skills required for home bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile treat perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and seasonal celebrations, appealing to both kids and adults with its sweet-salty combination.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick ingredient swaps or adjustments, making it friendly for bakers with different skill levels and taste preferences.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Flour: A key component for creating the sturdy and delicious crust of the pie bars.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in caramelization for both the crust and filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Apples: The star of the filling, offering a classic fruity flavor and tender texture.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the apple's natural sweetness and add depth to the flavor profile.

• Oats: Adds a crunchy texture to the pie bar topping.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Provides a rich, sweet, and slightly salty finish that complements the apple filling.

How to Prepare Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Warm your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking magic.

Step 2: Craft the Buttery Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Softened butter

Press the mixture firmly into a baking pan, creating an even layer.

Bake until the edges turn a light golden brown and the crust looks set.

Step 3: Prepare Spiced Apple Goodness

• Sliced apples
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Spread the beautifully coated apple slices evenly over the pre-baked crust.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Oat Topping

• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Melted butter

Cover the apples completely with this crumbly topping.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the apples become tender.

Step 6: Drizzle with Decadent Caramel

Once cooled slightly, generously drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the bars, creating a glossy, irresistible finish.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Cut into perfect squares and serve while still slightly warm for the ultimate dessert experience.

Pro Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture in your bars.
• Lightly dust apple slices with flour to absorb excess moisture and keep the bottom crust perfectly crisp.
• Prepare the bars a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• Warm the salted caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to achieve a smooth, even distribution over the bars.
• Toast the oats in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding to the topping for extra nutty flavor and crispness.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars blend classic autumn flavors with modern dessert innovation. Sweet-tart apples nestled in buttery crust create a perfect balance of comfort and indulgence you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 pounds granny smith apples
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Binding and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Combine flour, sugar, and cold butter in a food processor, pulsing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a compact base.
4. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.
5. While the crust bakes, slice apples thinly and toss with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to coat evenly.
6. Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and arrange the seasoned apple slices in an even layer.
7. Sprinkle the prepared oat topping generously over the apple layer, covering completely.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the topping turns a rich golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
10. Drizzle generously with homemade salted caramel sauce just before cutting into bars.
11. Slice into squares and serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in the filling.
• Toast the oats before adding to the topping for a deeper, nuttier flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Chill the crust mixture for 15 minutes before pressing into the pan to prevent butter from melting and ensure a flakier base.
• Drizzle caramel sauce while bars are slightly warm to help it penetrate the layers and create a more intense flavor experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg