Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines cozy flavors with the nostalgic charm of fall, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are your answer! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, spiced apple filling enveloped in a buttery oat crumble. It’s like apple pie, but way easier and just as delicious! Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these bars are sure to impress everyone at the table.

What I love most about these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is how they capture the essence of autumn while being simple enough for any day of the week. Whether you’re serving them warm with a drizzle of salted caramel or enjoying them cold straight from the fridge, they never fail to bring smiles and warmth to my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With a straightforward method and minimal prep time, you’ll have these bars ready to bake in no time!
• Family-Friendly: These bars are perfect for kids and adults alike; who can resist a delicious apple dessert?
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time! They store well in the fridge and taste great even after a day or two.
• Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices combined with sweet apples and rich salted caramel create a flavor explosion that’s simply unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars!

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try to make it your own:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out some apples for pears or berries for a unique twist.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for an exciting flavor profile.
• Change the Sweetener: Try using maple syrup or coconut sugar for an alternative sweetness.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉. This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. While it heats up, spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. The overhang will help you lift out the bars easily later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together your sliced apples with all the ingredients designated for the filling. Stir gently with a silicone spatula so you don’t break up those beautiful apple slices. Well-mixing allows the spices and sugars to coat every piece evenly, enhancing that delicious flavor!

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt your butter in a large bowl—this step adds richness to your crumble! Once melted, stir in all the remaining bar ingredients. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed; this will create both your crust and topping.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 2 cups of that crust mixture for later. Press the rest into your prepared pan firmly; this forms the base layer. Next, give your apples another gentle stir before spooning them evenly over this base layer. Don’t forget to leave behind any excess liquid! Finally, sprinkle that reserved crust mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake your bars in the preheated oven for about 38 to 45 minutes until golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re done when tender apples peek through when poked with a fork. While they bake, it’s time to prepare that luscious salted caramel sauce!

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my detailed instructions for making salted caramel sauce here. This sauce will add an irresistible touch to your bars!

Step 7: Serve & Store

Once baked, let your bars cool on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours before slicing into squares. When ready to serve, drizzle them generously with salted caramel sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—though I doubt there will be much left!

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

You can make that caramel sauce up to three days ahead! Just pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it—microwave briefly if it gets too thick. The bars themselves can also be made one day ahead; just cool them at room temperature before refrigerating.

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are sure to become a staple in your home—easy enough for everyday treats yet fancy enough for special occasions! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These delightful bars are sure to impress, and with a few helpful tips, you can make them even better!

• Use a mix of apple varieties: Combining sweet and tart apples will enhance the flavor profile of your filling. Try using Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for a deliciously balanced taste.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing helps them set properly and prevents the filling from spilling out. Patience here pays off!

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to modify the amount of brown sugar in the filling based on your preference for sweetness. This flexibility allows you to customize the bars to your liking.

• Experiment with spices: While this recipe includes classic autumn spices, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor that can make your bars unique.

• Store properly for freshness: Keeping the bars in an airtight container not only helps maintain their moisture but also preserves their flavors so they taste just as good on day four as they did when freshly baked.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serving these bars is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your dessert shine!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a lovely texture and lightness that balances the richness of the pie bars.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on top gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a classic contrast to warm apple pie bars, enhancing their comfort food appeal.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Lightly dusting with cinnamon sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness and spice, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Warm Spiced Cider: Serving warm spiced cider alongside these bars creates a cozy fall vibe perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich dessert, balancing flavors beautifully.

Enjoy creating these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They’re not just a treat; they’re an experience filled with warmth, comfort, and delightful flavors perfect for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep, making them a fantastic addition to your dessert lineup! You can easily store leftovers or even prepare them in advance for gatherings and special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, regardless of whether they have caramel drizzled on top.
• If storing extra salted caramel sauce, keep it in an airtight jar or container as well.

Freezing

• For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm treat, microwave individual bars for 20-30 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use different types of apples for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can mix and match with other apple varieties like Fuji or Braeburn for unique flavors.

How do I make the salted caramel sauce for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Follow the recipe linked earlier in this post! It includes step-by-step instructions to create a luscious salted caramel sauce that perfectly complements the flavors of these bars.

Can Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

How should I serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

These bars are delicious served warm with a drizzle of salted caramel on top. They can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars as much as I do! They capture all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie while being so much easier to prepare. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them at home, there’s something truly special about each bite. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and delightful aromas!