Sweet & Crunchy Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Baking these delightful salted caramel apple pie bars offers a scrumptious twist on classic desserts that will make your taste buds dance.

Sweet meets salty in a mouthwatering combination that promises pure comfort.

Crisp autumn apples meld perfectly with rich, golden caramel for an irresistible treat.

Layers of buttery crust and tender fruit create a dessert that feels both elegant and homey.

Crumbly, golden edges hint at the delectable experience waiting inside each bite.

Warm spices and a sprinkle of sea salt elevate this simple recipe into something truly memorable.

You won’t be able to resist cutting into these decadent bars that capture the essence of fall in every single slice.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Overview

• Simplify Dessert Making: Transform complex apple pie into convenient, portable bars perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
• Master Flavor Fusion: Combine sweet caramel, tangy apples, and rich shortbread for a sophisticated dessert that delights every taste bud.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this dessert swiftly for gatherings, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings without extensive baking skills.
• Seasonal Comfort Treat: Celebrate autumn's bounty with a dessert that captures the warmth of homemade goodness and cozy kitchen memories.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Butter: A rich, creamy base that gives the shortbread a tender texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden brown color.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor to the crust.
• All-Purpose Flour: The main structure for the crisp shortbread base.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that provides a sweet and slightly tart filling for the bars.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the natural flavor of the apples.
• Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy warmth to the apple mixture.
• Sugar: Brings out the natural sweetness of the apples.

• Caramel Sauce, Sea Salt: A classic sweet and salty combination that elevates the flavor profile of the bars.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish and line it with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your delicious creation.

Step 2: Craft the Buttery Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine soft butter, sweet sugar, fragrant vanilla, and silky flour. Gently press this dreamy mixture into the prepared pan, creating an even layer.

Slide it into the oven and bake until it turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 3: Prepare Spiced Apple Goodness

Grab your crisp apples and slice them into delightful pieces.

• Ground cinnamon
• Warm nutmeg
• Granulated sugar

Mix everything until the apples are beautifully coated with the aromatic spices.

Step 4: Layer the Apple Magic

Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the perfectly baked golden crust, creating a tempting layer of fruity goodness.

Step 5: Drizzle and Sprinkle

Pour a generous stream of rich caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt across the top, adding a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Return the dish to the oven and bake until the apples become tender and the top develops a beautiful golden glow.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely.

Once cooled, slice into delectable squares, revealing the layers of crust, apples, and caramel.

Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your bars.
• Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother shortbread crust.
• Cut apples into uniform, thin slices to guarantee even cooking and a consistent bite.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to get clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.
• Swap regular salt for smoked sea salt to add an unexpected depth of flavor to the caramel topping.

Variations on Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Apple Pie Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free oats in the crust for added texture.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based caramel sauce. Replace eggs with ground flaxseed mixture for binding.
• Low-Sugar Apple Crumble Bars: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add extra spices like cardamom or ginger for enhanced flavor complexity.
• Dairy-Free Autumn Bars: Use margarine or olive oil spread instead of butter. Select non-dairy caramel alternatives made from coconut cream or almond milk.

Serving Suggestions for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or creamy chai latte for a delightful morning treat that balances the dessert's rich flavors.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Serve on a white ceramic plate with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a light dusting of cinnamon for a restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these bars in a portable container for outdoor adventures, making them an easy handheld dessert that travels well and satisfies sweet cravings during family outings or hiking trips.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a rustic twine bow, creating a homemade gift that showcases your baking skills and spreads delicious joy to friends and family.

Storage Advice for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to preserve texture and flavor.
• Freeze bars by placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Reheat refrigerated bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crispy.

FAQs

• What makes the shortbread crust unique?

The crust combines butter, sugar, vanilla, and flour pressed into a pan, creating a rich, buttery base that provides a delicious crunch and complements the soft apple filling.

• How do I ensure the apples are perfectly cooked?

Toss the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar before spreading them over the crust, which helps them caramelize and become tender during baking while adding warm, sweet flavors.

• Why add sea salt to a sweet dessert?

Sea salt enhances the caramel’s depth, creating a perfect balance between sweet and salty, which elevates the overall flavor profile of the bars and makes them more complex and interesting.

Gooey Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade salted caramel apple pie bars blend classic American dessert flavors with irresistible sweet-salty notes. Buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and rich caramel drizzle create a memorable treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Fruit:

• 4 medium apples (peeled and diced)

Base and Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Create a buttery shortbread base by combining softened butter, sugar, vanilla, and flour until a crumbly mixture forms, then firmly press into the lined pan.
3. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until edges turn light golden brown, allowing it to develop a crisp foundation.
4. While the crust cools, slice apples into uniform thin wedges, then toss with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
5. Arrange the seasoned apple slices evenly across the cooled shortbread crust, creating a dense and uniform layer.
6. Generously drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the apple layer, ensuring complete coverage and creating beautiful amber swirls.
7. Sprinkle flaky sea salt across the caramel surface to balance the sweetness and add a sophisticated flavor contrast.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden-brown apple edges and bubbling caramel.
9. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour to set the caramel and help bars hold their shape.
10. Cut into precise rectangular bars, serving at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

• Pick ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your pie bars.
• Toast flour briefly before mixing to enhance the crust’s nutty flavor and create a more robust shortbread base.
• Drain apple slices after seasoning to prevent excess liquid from making the crust soggy and ensure a crisp bottom layer.
• Adjust sea salt quantity based on your caramel sauce’s existing saltiness to control the final flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg