Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that brings the warmth of fall into your kitchen, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are just what you need! There’s something magical about the combination of spiced apples, a crunchy oat topping, and rich salted caramel. These bars are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

These bars combine all the flavors of traditional apple pie without the fuss of making a pie crust. Imagine slicing into a warm bar that oozes with sweet, tender apples and drizzled with luscious caramel. It’s comfort food at its finest!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easier than pie: Skip the complicated pie crust and enjoy all the flavors in bar form.
• Perfect for sharing: These bars make a great treat for gatherings or potlucks.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep them in advance and simply drizzle with salted caramel before serving.
• Family-friendly goodness: Everyone loves apple pie, and these bars are a fun twist that kids will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is a breeze! You’ll find that they’re all simple and wholesome, perfect for creating a comforting dessert.

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 flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Mix in dried fruit: Dried cranberries or raisins can add an unexpected burst of flavor.
• Change up the spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Use different fruits: Try substituting half the apples with pears for a delightful combination.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 350℉ and get ready to bake! Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. This makes lifting out your delicious bars so much easier when they’re done!

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, gently toss together your apple slices with the lemon juice and other filling ingredients. Stir carefully with a silicone spatula; we want those apple slices intact! Set this sweet mixture aside while you prepare the crust.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

In a large bowl, melt your butter. Then stir in all remaining crust ingredients until well combined. This mixture will give your bars that hearty texture we love!

Step 4: Assemble

Now it’s time to layer everything together! Reserve about 2 cups of the crust mixture for later use. Press the rest into your prepared pan as the base. Next, give those spiced apples another stir before spooning them evenly over the crust. Finally, sprinkle on that reserved crust mixture on top—it’s going to be heavenly!

Step 5: Bake

Bake those beauties in your preheated oven for about 38 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the topping is golden brown and soft when poked with a fork. While they bake, let’s whip up some salted caramel!

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my salted caramel recipe here for step-by-step instructions! This rich sauce is what takes these bars from good to absolutely indulgent.

Step 7: Serve & Store

Slice your cooled bars when you’re ready to serve them—don’t forget that generous drizzle of salted caramel on top! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; they’re still delicious cold or warmed up!

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

You can make your caramel sauce up to three days ahead—just pop it in the fridge until you need it! The bars themselves can be made one day ahead; just cool them at room temperature before refrigerating.

Enjoy every bite of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars; they’re sure to become a new favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination will create a balanced flavor profile that makes each bite delightful.

• Don’t skip the chilling time: Allow your bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set up properly so they cut neatly without falling apart.

• Use cold butter for the crumble: For an even flakier topping, try using cold butter instead of melted when making the crust mixture. It will create a more textured crumble that pairs beautifully with the soft apples.

• Layer wisely: When assembling, be sure to leave behind any excess liquid from the apple filling. This prevents soggy bars and ensures that your crust remains crisp.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon or add other warming spices like cardamom or ginger. Personalizing the spice blend can enhance the flavor and make it special to your taste!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These delicious bars are not only easy to make but also wonderful to serve! Here are some ideas on how to present them for maximum enjoyment.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the richness of the caramel.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and texture, elevating both flavor and presentation.
• Fresh apple slices: A few thin slices of fresh apple on the side can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm bars.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing is always a winner! Vanilla ice cream brings a creamy element that melts beautifully over warm bars.
• Spiced chai tea: Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced chai. The aromatic spices in tea harmonize well with the flavors of apple pie.
• Caramelized pears: These sweet, tender pears cooked in brown sugar and spices make an excellent side dish that complements the flavors of apple pie perfectly.
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens drizzled with vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dessert, providing a fresh contrast.

Enjoy serving your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars with these suggestions, and watch as they become an instant favorite at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, ensuring you have a sweet indulgence ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• If you’ve drizzled caramel on top, it’s best to refrigerate the bars regardless.
• Keep any extra salted caramel sauce in a separate airtight container or jar in the fridge.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze uncut bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• You can also freeze individual slices for easy access later.
• Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm bars, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• If the caramel has been added, it may need a few extra seconds to warm through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind while making these delicious bars.

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

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, feel free to mix and match with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a unique flavor profile.

How do I make my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars even more delicious?

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to your crumble topping or mixing a bit of vanilla extract into your apple filling!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The results will still be scrumptious!

What’s the best way to serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Serve them warm with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Pair them with dairy-free ice cream or whipped topping for an indulgent dessert experience!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They capture all the comforting flavors of fall in an easy-to-make treat. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge, they’re sure to bring smiles to your table. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family!