Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of apple pie but want something a little easier to serve, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect solution. With a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of cinnamon-spiced apples, and a salted caramel drizzle, these bars combine all the flavors of a traditional apple pie with the convenience of a hand-held dessert. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or a casual fall get-together, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Read on for the full recipe, including a list of ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time!

What are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a layered dessert with a buttery shortbread crust, a filling of sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topping. The bars are finished off with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, adding a rich, indulgent touch to every bite. These bars capture the flavors of a classic apple pie but are much easier to make and serve, making them ideal for casual gatherings or potlucks.

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Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite baking apple)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tartness)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

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Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few variations and substitutions to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and streusel topping, and ensure your oats are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the caramel sauce.
• Apple Varieties: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples for a sweeter option.
• Nutty Topping: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch and flavor.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars from scratch, including the shortbread crust, apple filling, streusel topping, and salted caramel drizzle.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking. Lightly grease the parchment paper with nonstick spray.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the flour and salt, and mix until combined. The dough will be thick. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth it out. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice (if using). Toss the apples until they are evenly coated with the sugar and spices. Set aside while you make the streusel topping.

4. Make the Streusel Topping:

In a medium bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should have both small and large crumbles.

5. Assemble the Bars:

Evenly layer the spiced apples over the pre-baked crust. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apples, ensuring the apples are fully covered.

6. Bake the Bars:

Bake the assembled bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when poked with a fork. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

7. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

While the bars are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to bubble and turn a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Once it reaches the desired color, carefully whisk in the butter, followed by the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so whisk constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling it over the bars.

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How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Quick Recap

1. Prepare the Crust: Mix melted butter, sugar, and flour to create a shortbread base. Bake until golden.
2. Mix the Apple Filling: Toss sliced apples with sugar, spices, and flour.
3. Make the Streusel Topping: Combine cold butter, flour, oats, and sugar to create a crumbly topping.
4. Assemble: Layer apples over the crust and top with streusel.
5. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
6. Make the Caramel Sauce: Melt sugar and water, then whisk in butter, cream, and sea salt for a rich caramel finish.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making these bars:

• Overmixing the Shortbread Crust: Overmixing can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and press the mixture firmly into the pan.
• Using Soft Butter for the Streusel: The butter for the streusel should be cold. Using soft or melted butter will result in a greasy topping that doesn’t crumble properly.
• Undercooking the Caramel: Be patient when making the caramel sauce. If the sugar doesn’t turn a deep amber color, your caramel won’t have that rich, caramelized flavor.
• Slicing Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. If you slice while they’re still warm, they may fall apart.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how to serve and present your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for maximum appeal:

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

• Room Temperature or Warm: These bars can be served at room temperature or warmed up slightly for a cozier experience. If serving warm, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce just before serving.
• Cut Clean Slices: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into clean, even squares. Wipe the knife between cuts to keep the slices neat.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

• Extra Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle more salted caramel over the top of the bars before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert combination.
• Sprinkle with Sea Salt: For added contrast, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle right before serving.

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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tart flavor, which balances the sweetness of the caramel. You can mix them with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp for a variety of flavors.
• Chill the Caramel: If your caramel sauce thickens too much after cooling, warm it gently over low heat before drizzling it over the bars.
• Make Ahead: You can make the bars a day ahead and store them at room temperature. The caramel sauce can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time. Just warm it slightly before drizzling it over the bars.

2. How long do these bars last?
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars without the caramel sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and drizzle with caramel before serving.

4. What kind of oats should I use for the streusel topping?
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Instant or quick oats may not hold up as well in the streusel topping.

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Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, combining all the flavors of a classic apple pie with the convenience of bars. With a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apples, a crumbly streusel topping, and a decadent salted caramel drizzle, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday dessert or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family!

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