Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall and warms your heart, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are just the ticket! Imagine biting into a warm, gooey bar filled with spiced apples, all wrapped up in a buttery oat crumble. It’s like apple pie but way easier to make—perfect for those busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. This recipe has become a favorite in my home, and I think it will be in yours too!

These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re whipping them up for a potluck or simply indulging after dinner, they are sure to impress. And the best part? You can make them ahead of time and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have these bars ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves apple pie, and these bars make it easy for kids (and adults!) to enjoy.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the caramel sauce and bars in advance for stress-free entertaining.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel creates an irresistible treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is a breeze! You’ll find that they are mostly pantry staples and wholesome foods. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

One of the best things about these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is their flexibility! You can easily tweak them to fit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch!
• Try different fruits: Substitute some apples with pears or berries for a fun twist.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with cardamom or ginger to change the flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and oats to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 350℉. This step is crucial as it ensures even baking right from the start. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the ends so you can lift the bars out later—trust me, this little trick makes slicing so much easier!

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. Getting this mix right is essential; it’s what gives your bars that delicious spiced apple flavor!

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt your salted butter in a large bowl. Then stir in all the remaining crust ingredients until well combined. This mixture will be both your base and topping, giving you that delightful crumble texture throughout.

Step 4: Assemble

Reserve about 2 cups (around 330 grams) of that crust mixture for later use on top of your bars. Press the rest into your prepared pan. Now give those apples another good stir, then spoon them evenly across your crust base, leaving any excess liquid behind in the bowl. Sprinkle on that reserved crust mixture—it’ll create a beautiful golden layer when baked.

Step 5: Bake

Pop those bars into your preheated oven and bake for about 38 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when the topping is golden brown and tender when you pierce through with a fork. While they bake, it’s time to tackle that delicious caramel sauce!

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my salted caramel recipe linked here [insert link]. It walks you through making this luscious sauce step by step! The rich flavor will take these bars over-the-top!

Step 7: Serve & Store

When it’s time to serve, slice into those glorious bars and drizzle with as much salted caramel as you’d like! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they’re good for about 3-4 days—and trust me, you’ll want to keep them around!

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

You can whip up that caramel sauce up to three days ahead! Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy. If you’re making the bars ahead of time, let them cool at room temperature before refrigerating—whether served warm or cold, they’re always delicious!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Creating these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination adds depth to the flavor profile and ensures your bars aren’t overly sweet.

• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice to your apple filling helps prevent browning and enhances the flavors of the apples. It balances sweetness while keeping your filling fresh.

• Let the Bars Cool Properly: Allowing the bars to cool on a wire rack is essential for setting up the layers. If you slice them too soon, they may fall apart, so patience is key!

• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes it super easy to lift the bars out once baked. This simple step ensures clean cuts and keeps your bars intact.

• Make Extra Caramel Sauce: If you’re a caramel lover (who isn’t?), consider making extra sauce. It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream or pancakes later!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are not only delightful on their own but can also be dressed up for special occasions or gatherings. Here are some fun ideas for serving!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy texture that complements the rich flavors of the bars.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with caramel.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top before serving can elevate both the visual appeal and flavor, making each bite even more enticing.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm bars, enhancing their caramel goodness.
• Caramel Drizzle Cake: For a delightful dessert spread, serve alongside a simple caramel drizzle cake that echoes the flavors in your pie bars.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the bars. Consider using seasonal fruits like pears or berries for an added touch.
• Coffee or Spiced Tea: Warm beverages like coffee or spiced chai tea provide a cozy complement, perfect for enjoying these bars on chilly evenings.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will surely become a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every gooey, caramel-drizzled bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and have a delicious dessert ready whenever you need a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Keep any extra salted caramel sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the bars and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

• For warm bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the desired number of bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual bars for 20-30 seconds until just warmed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars!

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

Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. Consider using Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples for a delightful flavor combination.

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

You can follow my detailed salted caramel recipe included earlier. It’s simple to make and adds that perfect sweet and salty contrast to the apple filling!

Can I substitute coconut cream for heavy cream in this recipe?

Yes, coconut cream is a great non-dairy alternative that will give you a rich consistency. Just ensure it’s well blended before adding it to your caramel sauce.

How long will my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars last?

When stored correctly, they can last in the fridge for up to 4 days or be frozen for up to two months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They bring together all the comforting flavors of fall while being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you share them with loved ones or enjoy them all by yourself, these bars are sure to delight. Happy baking, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out!