Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars are a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the convenience of a bar. Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply as a sweet indulgence on a fall afternoon. These bars feature a brown sugar oat crumble crust and topping, making them easy to prepare and an instant favorite. With tender spiced apples nestled in between and drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce, they truly stand out as an irresistible dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No need for pie crust skills—this recipe features a simple crumble!
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of spices and caramel makes each bite delicious.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into bars for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare ahead to save time on busy days; they store well too!
• Customizable Toppings: Add nuts or other toppings for extra crunch and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials you’ll need to create these delicious bars.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Silicone spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for creating evenly baked bars that can be easily lifted out for cutting.
• Silicone spatula: Ideal for gently mixing ingredients without damaging the apple slices.
• Mixing bowls: Multiple sizes help in organizing your ingredients and steps effectively.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick spray. Line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the ends so you can lift the bars out later.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together the sliced apples with lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Stir gently with a silicone spatula to avoid breaking up the apple slices. Ensure everything is well mixed and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

In a large bowl, melt the salted butter. Stir in remaining ingredients until combined thoroughly to form a crumbly mixture.

Step 4: Assemble

Reserve about 2 cups (330 grams) of the crust mixture for topping. Press the rest into your prepared pan evenly. Spoon the apple filling over this base layer, ensuring excess liquid remains in the bowl. Sprinkle reserved crust mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for about 38 to 45 minutes. The topping should be golden brown while apples feel tender when pierced with a fork. Let cool on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours before slicing.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my salted caramel sauce recipe linked here for detailed instructions on making this delicious drizzle!

Step 7: Serve & Store

Slice bars when ready to serve and drizzle with salted caramel as desired. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare caramel up to three days ahead. Microwave it briefly to loosen before using. The bars can be made one day ahead; refrigerate after cooling completely at room temperature.

Enjoy your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, perfect any time you crave something sweet!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. They can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation.

Classic Presentation

• Serve the bars warm with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top for an indulgent experience.

A La Mode

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside the bars. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the caramel and spiced apples.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream to add lightness and richness to every bite.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the top for added crunch and flavor contrast.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the bars on a dessert platter alongside other sweets for a stunning presentation at parties.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the dessert.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

To create the ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, consider these helpful tips for achieving perfect results every time.

• Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for balanced flavors.

• Don’t Overmix Filling: Gently toss the apple filling ingredients to prevent breaking up the apple slices, keeping them intact in the bars.

• Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set better and makes cutting easier.

• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness. They can last up to 4 days!

• Make Extra Caramel: Always prepare extra salted caramel sauce. It can be drizzled over other desserts or enjoyed with fruit!

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
2. Spiced Chai Tea: Warm chai complements the spices in the apple pie bars perfectly.
3. Caramel Pudding: Creamy pudding enhances the caramel flavors and provides a smooth texture contrast.
4. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can lighten up your dessert table while adding refreshing flavors.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheese, especially sharp varieties, can create an interesting savory-sweet combination.
6. Toasted Nuts: Serve toasted almonds or pecans as crunchy bites alongside each bar for added texture and taste.
7. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a healthier side that still feels indulgent.
8. Hot Cocoa: A warm mug of cocoa adds comfort while harmonizing with the rich flavors of your dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars turn out perfectly, steer clear of these common mistakes.

• Boldly skip the apple prep: Failing to slice apples evenly can lead to uneven cooking. Take time to slice them between 1/8 and 1/4 thick for even tenderness.
• Boldly rush the cooling process: Cutting the bars too soon can result in a crumbly mess. Allow them to cool for 1-2 hours before slicing.
• Boldly ignore parchment paper: Not lining your pan with parchment can cause sticking. Make sure to have overhang for easy removal.
• Boldly forget the salt: Skipping the pinch of salt in the caramel may leave it bland. Adding salt enhances the flavor, balancing sweetness.
• Boldly overlook storage tips: Storing bars improperly can affect freshness. Use an airtight container in the fridge for optimal taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Freeze bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉ and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions readers often ask about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

What apples are best for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

For great flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination adds depth to your filling.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bars up to one day ahead. Just let them cool completely, then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

How do I customize my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Feel free to add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or try different spices like cardamom for unique flavor variations!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option when making your salted caramel sauce.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile! Perfect for any occasion, you can customize them with different spices or toppings. Try making them today; your taste buds will thank you!