Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars have all the flavor of apple pie with much less work! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. With a deliciously spiced apple filling nestled between a brown sugar oat crumble, they offer a unique twist on a classic dessert. Drizzled with rich salted caramel sauce, these bars are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip these bars up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spiced apples and salted caramel creates a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm, at room temperature, or cold—these bars are delightful no matter how you enjoy them!
• Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 15 to 24 bars, making it perfect for parties or potlucks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the caramel and bars ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having the right equipment ensures everything runs smoothly in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for even baking and easy slicing of your bars.
• Silicone spatula: Ideal for gently mixing ingredients without damaging delicate apple slices.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your bars.

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, leaving enough overhang on the ends so you can lift the bars out for easy slicing later.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together the apples with all the apple filling ingredients:
1. Add lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Sprinkle flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves, and salt over the apples.
3. Stir gently with a silicone spatula so as not to break up the apple slices. Make sure everything is well mixed and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

In a large bowl:
1. Melt the butter.
2. Stir in three cups flour, oats, light brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until combined.

Step 4: Assemble

Reserve 2 cups of the crust mixture for topping:
1. Press the remaining mixture into your prepared pan.
2. Give the apple mixture another good stir.
3. Spoon them over the base evenly, leaving excess liquid behind in the bowl.
4. Sprinkle reserved crust mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for about 38 to 45 minutes:
– The topping will be golden when done.
– Apples should feel tender when pierced with a fork.
– Allow cooling on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours before slicing.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare according to my salted caramel recipe here. This post provides detailed directions!

Step 7: Serve & Store

When ready to serve:
– Slice bars and drizzle with salted caramel as desired.
– Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

Caramel can be made up to three days ahead:
– Refrigerate until ready to use; microwave briefly to loosen.
– Bars can be made one day ahead; refrigerate until serving.

Enjoy your delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars at any gathering!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars can be paired with numerous accompaniments to elevate their flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a rich texture that complements the sweet and spiced apples.

À la Mode

• Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience that balances warmth and cold.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel

• Enhance the sweetness by drizzling additional salted caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch.

Topped with Nuts

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy contrast to the soft pie bars, enriching the overall flavor profile.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair with fresh apple slices or berries to add a refreshing element that lightens up the dessert.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Achieving the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.

• Use Crisp Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal texture and flavor during baking.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using correct measurements ensures that the crust and filling have the right balance of sweetness and texture.

• Cool Before Slicing: Let your bars cool completely on a wire rack. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

• Layer Generously: Don’t skimp on the apple filling; a generous layer creates moist bars packed with flavor.

• Store Properly: Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness and prevent them from drying out.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy companion that melts beautifully over warm pie bars.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Pecan Crumble: Adds a crunchy, nutty topping that complements the soft texture of the bars.
3. Caramelized Pears: Sweet, buttery pears bring a lovely contrast and seasonal flair.
4. Hot Chocolate: A warm drink that pairs perfectly with fall flavors, making for a cozy dessert setting.
5. Spiced Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea beautifully match the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg in your pie bars.
6. Pumpkin Soup: A savory option that balances sweetness while keeping you in the autumn spirit.
7. Cheese Board: Include sharp cheeses that cut through sweetness for an interesting flavor combination.
8. Fresh Salad: A crisp salad adds freshness and balances out the richness of the pie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars turn out perfectly.

• Skipping the apple prep: Not tossing the apples with lemon juice and flour can lead to a soggy filling. Make sure to mix them well before layering.
• Incorrect crust measurement: Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement. Too much flour can make the crust dry.
• Overbaking the bars: Baking for too long can result in dry bars. Keep an eye on them after 38 minutes and check for golden topping.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the bars too soon may cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool for at least 1-2 hours.
• Not using enough caramel: A generous drizzle of salted caramel enhances flavor. Don’t be shy with that caramel sauce!
• Storing improperly: Storing the bars without an airtight container can lead to dryness. Always use proper storage methods.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the caramel separate if possible to maintain texture.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Freeze bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

What apples are best for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Sweet-tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great, providing balance in flavor and texture.

Can I make these pie bars vegan?

Yes! You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the caramel.

How do I know when my pie bars are done baking?

The topping should be golden brown, and you should be able to pierce through with a fork easily, indicating tender apples inside.

Can I add nuts to my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.

How long will these bars keep fresh?

When stored properly, they will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days, or they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie with a convenient bar format, making them perfect for any occasion. They are versatile enough to customize with different toppings or spices, so feel free to experiment. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try!