Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Baking salted caramel apple pie bars is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert in a more manageable form. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and luscious salted caramel drizzle, they offer a delicious combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be served warm or chilled!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Making apple pie as bars simplifies the baking process without sacrificing flavor.
• Deliciously Unique: The addition of salted caramel elevates these bars above traditional apple pie.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm, at room temperature, or cold—perfect for any time of day.
• Great for Sharing: Cut into smaller pieces to share at parties or potlucks.
• Customizable Toppings: Add whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your salted caramel apple pie bars, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry blender or two forks (for cutting in butter)

Importance of Each Tool

• 8-inch square baking pan: The perfect size for creating thick, chewy bars that hold together well.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan after cooling.

Ingredients

Baking apple pie as bars is so much easier!

Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
– 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (1/4 inch thick)
– 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup (43g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
– 1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
– 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce*

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring enough overhang on all sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Add in the all-purpose flour and mix until fully incorporated. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare your apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until all apples are coated evenly. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In another medium bowl, whisk together old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your hands until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set this mixture aside.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Once the crust is done baking, increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Layer the prepared apples on top of the warm crust tightly. Sprinkle with streusel topping evenly over the apples. Bake for an additional 30–35 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before chilling in the refrigerator for at least two hours (or overnight). Using parchment overhang, lift out of pan and cut into bars—either into smaller pieces or larger ones as desired. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce just before serving. Enjoy these decadent salted caramel apple pie bars warm or chilled!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is a delightful experience that can be tailored to various occasions. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these bars can be enjoyed in numerous ways.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added creaminess that complements the caramel and apples.

À la Mode

• Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream adds an indulgent touch to the dessert.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

• For those who love extra sweetness, drizzle more salted caramel sauce over the top just before serving for that gooey goodness.

With Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft apple filling.

Coffee Pairing

• Enjoy these bars with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm flavors of spices and caramel pair perfectly with your favorite warm beverage.

Packaged Treats

• Wrap individual bars in parchment paper as sweet gifts for friends and family. It makes for a thoughtful treat during special occasions.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Creating perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time:

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples provide the best flavor and texture. Choose varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal results.
• Don’t Overmix the Crust: When mixing your crust ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Slice Apples Thinly: Slice apples about 1/4 inch thick so they cook evenly and fit nicely into your bars without being too bulky.
• Chill Before Cutting: Allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes for cleaner cuts.
• Serve Warm: While these bars are delicious at room temperature, serving them warm enhances their flavors and textures significantly.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices like ginger or cloves to customize the flavor profile of your filling.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

When serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate the overall dessert experience. Here are some excellent choices:

1. Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the bars, enhancing their flavors.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits can refresh the palate between bites of rich caramel apple pie bars.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic yet timeless; a scoop of vanilla ice cream provides coolness against the warm apple pie bars.
4. Hot Chocolate: A mug of rich hot chocolate enhances the dessert experience, especially during colder months.
5. Nutty Granola: Adding nutty granola on the side brings crunch and extra flavor, making it an exciting snack combination.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These sweet chips serve as a crispy side that pairs well with any leftover salted caramel sauce you have on hand.
7. Caramel Dip & Sliced Apples: Keep it thematic by serving sliced apples with caramel dip, echoing flavors from your salted caramel apple pie bars.
8. Coffee Cake: A small slice of coffee cake can complement dessert well while providing additional flavors without overwhelming sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be easy, but some common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Ignoring the crust texture: A good crust should be firm yet tender. Overmixing can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until combined to keep it flaky.
• Using unseasoned apples: Choosing bland apples will result in a lackluster filling. Always use flavorful varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best taste.
• Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the bars to chill can lead to messy cutting and loss of structure. Be patient and let them cool completely before slicing.
• Overloading with caramel: Adding too much caramel sauce can make the bars overly sweet and soggy. Drizzle sparingly on top after cutting for an ideal balance.
• Not lining the pan properly: Failing to line your baking pan can result in a sticky mess. Use parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of your delicious bars.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• For best taste, enjoy them within the first few days.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label the bags with the date for easy reference when you want them later.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each bar for 15-20 seconds until warm, but avoid overheating as they may become soggy.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apples work best for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

For the best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties such as Honeycrisp. These choices provide a great balance of sweetness and acidity that complements the caramel.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day ahead. Just store them wrapped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

How do I prevent my crust from sticking?

Make sure to line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. This makes it easier to lift out and slice your bars without sticking.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour or use different types of sugar based on your preferences. Feel free to experiment!

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, offering both ease and flavor. They are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Customize them by adding nuts or using different spices—your options are endless! Try this recipe today; you won’t be disappointed!