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