Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that brings the essence of fall right to your kitchen, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are just what you need! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, spiced apple filling nestled between layers of buttery oat crumble. These bars pack all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie but without the fuss of rolling out dough. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, they are sure to be a hit with everyone!

What makes this recipe truly special is the luscious salted caramel drizzled on top. It adds that extra touch of sweetness and sophistication, making these bars feel like a treat you’d find in a bakery. Whether you’re enjoying them warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, each bite is deliciously satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have these bars ready in no time!
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves a sweet treat, and these bars are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare these in advance for gatherings, so you can spend more time with loved ones.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel creates a heavenly taste that’s hard to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Gather the following:

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 and 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

Variations

One of the best things about these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is how flexible they can be! Feel free to get creative with different flavors or ingredients based on what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch to both the filling and topping.
• Mix in dried fruit: Consider adding raisins or cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.
• Use different spices: Experiment with ginger or cardamom for a unique twist on the traditional apple pie flavor.
• Swap sweeteners: Try using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like taste.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 350℉. This ensures that your bars will bake evenly. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Leave enough overhang on the ends so you can lift the bars out easily later.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together your sliced apples with all the apple filling ingredients. Stir gently with a silicone spatula to avoid breaking up those lovely apple slices. Mixing well ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt your butter in a large bowl—this creates that rich flavor we love! Then stir in all remaining bar ingredients until everything is combined into a crumbly mixture.

Step 4: Assemble

Set aside about 2 cups (330 grams) of this crust mixture for topping later. Press the rest firmly into your prepared pan to create an even base. Pour your apple mixture over this layer, leaving behind any excess liquid in the bowl. Finally, sprinkle that reserved crust mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake those delicious bars for about 38 to 45 minutes, until they’re golden brown and smell amazing! The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork. While they bake, go ahead and make your salted caramel sauce—what a treat!

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my salted caramel recipe here for easy-to-follow instructions and photos! This sauce will elevate your bars into something truly special.

Step 7: Serve & Store

Once cooled on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours, slice into squares as desired! Drizzle each piece generously with salted caramel before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prepare ahead? You can whip up that luscious caramel up to three days early; just microwave it briefly before using! The bars themselves can be made one day ahead—warm them slightly before serving for maximum enjoyment!

Enjoy making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars—you’ll create sweet memories one slice at a time!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Making these delicious bars is a breeze with a few helpful tips to ensure perfect results every time!

• Choose the right apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, adds depth to the flavor and balances the sweetness of the caramel.

• Don’t skip the chilling: Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing helps them set up nicely, making it easier to cut clean slices without everything falling apart.

• Adjust the spice levels: Feel free to tweak the spice amounts according to your taste. Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance that cozy fall flavor we all love!

• Use parchment paper for easy lifting: Lining your pan with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also allows you to lift out the entire batch of bars easily for cutting and serving.

• Experiment with toppings: Try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra texture and flavor contrast!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These decadent bars deserve a lovely presentation! Here are some ideas for serving them up in style.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: A sprinkle of nuts adds a delightful crunch and complements the sweet apple filling beautifully.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a non-dairy treat, whip up some coconut cream to add a light and airy topping that pairs perfectly with the richness of caramel.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving enhances the aroma and gives an inviting look.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing that contrasts beautifully with warm apple pie bars, melting into gooey deliciousness as it hits the warm dessert.
• Caramelized bananas: Lightly sautéed bananas in maple syrup create a sweet side that complements the flavors in your pie bars without overpowering them.
• Mixed berry salad: A fresh fruit salad made with seasonal berries offers a refreshing balance to the rich pie bars, adding acidity and brightness.
• Hot spiced cider: Serve alongside these bars for a comforting beverage that echoes fall flavors and rounds out your dessert experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will be an absolute hit at any gathering! Enjoy creating this delightful treat that captures all the warmth of fall in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Meal prep enthusiasts will love how convenient these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are! They can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment, making them a fantastic choice for gatherings or busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• If you’ve drizzled caramel sauce on top, it’s best to refrigerate them regardless, as it helps keep everything fresh.
• Any leftover salted caramel sauce can also be stored in an airtight container or jar in the fridge.

Freezing

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag, labeling with the date.
• For optimal freshness, consume within 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm bars, microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds.
• If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before microwaving.
• Drizzle with more salted caramel after reheating for an extra indulgent touch!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these delicious bars a day in advance. Just let them cool at room temperature before refrigerating. They taste delightful either warm or chilled!

How should I store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Store your bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you have extra caramel sauce, keep it separate in another container.

What kind of apples work best for these bars?

For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination offers a delightful balance!

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Yes! These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them well and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can substitute some ingredients to make these bars healthier. Consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reducing the sugar slightly if desired.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in whipping up these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They bring together the comforting flavors of fall with minimal fuss. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, each bite is sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy baking—can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!