Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, transforming it into an easy-to-make and utterly irresistible dessert. Imagine the comforting flavors of apple pie – the sweet and tart apples, the warm spices, the buttery crust – all combined into a convenient bar form, drizzled with luscious homemade salted caramel.

These apple pie bars are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to holiday celebrations. The combination of the shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and streusel topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, the salted caramel drizzle adds a touch of indulgence that elevates these bars to the next level. They’re also much simpler to make than a traditional apple pie, making them a great option when you’re short on time but still want a homemade dessert.

Apple pie is a timeless classic, beloved for its comforting flavors and heartwarming aroma. However, making a traditional apple pie can be time-consuming, requiring careful attention to the crust and filling. These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars offer a shortcut to apple pie bliss, delivering all the essential flavors in an easy-to-make bar form. The buttery shortbread crust provides a sturdy base for the sweet and spiced apple filling, while the crumbly streusel topping adds a delightful textural contrast. The homemade salted caramel drizzle is the perfect finishing touch, adding a salty-sweet complexity that complements the other flavors beautifully.

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 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)

For the Apple Filling:

• 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

For the Streusel Topping:

• 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

For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:

• (Use your favorite homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce)

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on all sides to easily lift the bars out later. This step ensures that the bars won’t stick to the pan and that you can easily remove them for cutting.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the flour and stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough.

Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a smooth and uniform layer.

Step 4: Bake the shortbread crust for 15 minutes. This par-baking step helps the crust to set and prevents it from becoming soggy when the apple filling is added. While the crust is baking, you can prepare the apple filling and streusel topping.

Step 5: Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated with the flour and spices. This helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too watery during baking.

Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly streusel texture.

Step 7: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).

Step 8: Assemble the Bars: Evenly layer the apple filling on top of the warm, par-baked crust. It may seem like there are too many apple slices, but layer them tightly and press them down gently to fit.

Step 9: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple filling.

Step 10: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.

Step 11: Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. Then, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before cutting and serving. This allows the bars to set completely and makes them easier to cut.

Step 12: Cut and Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into bars and drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.

COOK Rating: 5/5

• Serve these bars warm, at room temperature, or even cold.
• Enjoy them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Cut them into smaller squares for a party or potluck.

• Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices.
• Don’t overmix the shortbread crust, as this can make it tough.
• Make sure the butter for the streusel topping is cold to create a crumbly texture.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
• Use homemade salted caramel sauce for the most delicious flavor.

Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes (includes chilling time)

Nutrition Information: (Estimates only, will vary based on specific ingredients used) Calories: Approximately 350-400 per bar Protein: 4-5 grams per bar Sodium: 150-200mg per bar (will vary significantly based on the amount of salt in the salted caramel)

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, offering all the comforting flavors of apple pie in an easy-to-make and portable form. With their buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, crumbly streusel topping, and luscious salted caramel drizzle, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for a weeknight treat or a show-stopping creation for a special occasion, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect choice.

Q1: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own salted caramel?

A: Yes, you can definitely use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time. However, homemade salted caramel sauce will elevate the flavor of these bars to the next level. If you choose to use store-bought, look for a high-quality salted caramel sauce for the best results.

Q2: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them. In fact, chilling them overnight actually improves the texture and flavor. Just wait to drizzle the salted caramel on top until right before serving.

Q3: Can I freeze these apple pie bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Again, drizzle with salted caramel just before serving.

Q4: What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

A: For the best flavor, use a combination of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith apples provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the caramel and other ingredients, while Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples add sweetness and a crisp texture. Feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties.

Q5: Can I double this recipe and bake it in a larger pan?

A: Yes, you can easily double this recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to increase the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on the bars and bake them until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. Be sure to pre-bake the crust for a few extra minutes as well.