why make this recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful treat combining the goodness of apples and the richness of caramel. They offer a great way to enjoy classic apple pie flavors in a fun, portable form. With layers of buttery crust, spiced apples, and a drizzle of salted caramel, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic, or just a cozy evening snack, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

how to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients

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
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
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

Directions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
Prep the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, toss together the apple slices with all the filling ingredients. Stir gently to avoid breaking the apple pieces, and set aside.
Make the Crust/Topping: Melt the butter in a large bowl. Stir in the remaining ingredients for the bars.
Assemble: Reserve 2 cups (about 330 grams) of the crust mixture for the top. Press the rest into your prepared pan. Give the apples another stir and spoon them evenly over the base, leaving any excess liquid behind. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture on top.
Bake: Bake the bars for 38 to 45 minutes. They are done when the topping is golden, and the apples feel tender when pierced with a fork. While they bake, prepare the salted caramel.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: Follow the directions from your favorite salted caramel recipe to make the sauce.
Serve & Store: When it’s time to serve, slice the bars and drizzle with salted caramel. Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Refrigerate any extra caramel as well.
Make-Ahead Tips: The caramel can be made up to 3 days in advance and warmed before using. The bars can be prepared a day ahead, cooled, and refrigerated.

how to serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. A drizzle of warm salted caramel enhances the flavors beautifully. They pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. Enjoy them as a sweet snack or a delightful dessert!

how to store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for 3-4 days. If you have leftover salted caramel sauce, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge as well. It can be reheated slightly in the microwave before serving.

tips to make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
Make sure to slice the apples evenly for consistent cooking.
Don’t skip the step of letting the bars cool before cutting, as this helps them set properly.
Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.

variation

Feel free to mix in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch. You can also swap the salted caramel for a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of fruit?
Yes! You can substitute the apples with other fruits like pears or peaches, but keep in mind that cooking times may change based on the fruit used.

2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can use gluten-free flour blends to replace all-purpose flour in the crust and topping for a gluten-free version of these bars.

3. How do I make the salted caramel sauce?
There are many recipes available; typically, it involves melting sugar until golden, then adding butter and cream to create a rich sauce. Make sure to follow detailed instructions for the best results.

4. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Once fully cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars