Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, offering the same delicious flavors with much less hassle. These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. With a buttery oat crumble crust and a generous filling of spiced apples, they’re sure to impress everyone at the table. The addition of salted caramel sauce elevates these bars into an irresistible treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The simple preparation means you can whip these up in no time.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are loved by both kids and adults alike!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 baking pan: The perfect size for baking bars evenly, ensuring they cook through without burning.
• Silicone spatula: Ideal for mixing ingredients gently without damaging delicate apple slices.

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 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: Prep the Apple Filling

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

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt the salted butter in a large bowl. Stir in three cups of flour, oats, light brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble

Reserve two cups (about 330 grams) of the crust mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into your prepared pan as an even layer. Give the apple mixture another good stir before spooning it over the base evenly. Leave any excess liquid behind in the bowl. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 38 to 45 minutes until golden brown on top. The apples should feel tender when pierced with a fork. While they bake, prepare your salted caramel sauce following your preferred recipe.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

Let the bars cool on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours before slicing them into squares. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce as desired before enjoying!

Step 7: Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If you’ve made extra caramel sauce, store it separately in an airtight jar.

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are not only easy but also incredibly satisfying—perfect for sharing or treating yourself!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can enhance the experience, making them even more delicious. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement these tasty treats.

A La Mode

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic combination.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

• For those who love sweetness, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the bars just before serving.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of fresh whipped cream to add creaminess and balance the flavors.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these bars alongside a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears to bring a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the bars.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor variation.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is easy, but following these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time.

• Use Firm Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor in your filling.

• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid dense bars.

• Cool Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for cleaner edges and easier servings.

• Make Your Own Caramel: Homemade salted caramel will elevate your bars; it’s easier than you think!

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A smooth and creamy complement that balances the sweetness of the pie bars.
2. Caramel Sauce Dip – A rich dip that allows guests to customize their sweetness level as they enjoy their bars.
3. Honey Yogurt – This adds a tangy twist that contrasts nicely with the sweet flavors of the apple pie.
4. Spiced Nuts – Provide a crunchy texture and savory flavor that enhances your dessert experience.
5. Fresh Berries – Light and refreshing, berries add a burst of color and natural sweetness on the side.
6. Cheese Platter – Offer sharp cheeses like cheddar, which pair surprisingly well with sweet desserts.
7. Chai Tea – The warm spices in chai provide an aromatic pairing that complements the flavors in the bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out perfectly.

• Using the wrong apple variety – Not all apples work well for baking. Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
• Skipping the lemon juice – Lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a nice zing. Always toss the sliced apples with lemon juice before mixing in other ingredients.
• Overmixing the crust – Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined to keep the texture light and crumbly.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, so precise measurements are key. Use a kitchen scale for best results, especially for flour and sugar.
• Ignoring cooling time – Letting the bars cool completely before slicing is crucial. They will set better and be easier to cut into neat pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• If you’ve added caramel on top, it’s best to refrigerate them regardless of whether you plan to serve immediately.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months.
• Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars in a baking dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual servings in the microwave on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop – Place a bar in a pan over low heat, cover with a lid, and heat gently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different fruits instead of apples?

You can certainly experiment! Pears or peaches can make delightful alternatives while still providing great flavor.

How do I make my own salted caramel sauce?

You can make salted caramel by melting sugar until golden brown, adding cream cautiously, and finishing with sea salt. For detailed instructions, check my salted caramel recipe.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What’s the best way to serve these bars?

Serve warm with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!

How long do these bars last?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will stay fresh in the fridge for around 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned earlier.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. They capture all the cozy flavors of traditional apple pie while being easy to prepare. Feel free to customize them with nuts or spices according to your preference. Try this recipe today!