Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together the cozy flavors of fall, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are just what you need. There’s something magical about the combination of tender spiced apples, a buttery oat crumble, and that irresistible drizzle of salted caramel. This recipe is not only easy to whip up but also perfect for any occasion—be it a busy weeknight treat or a sweet addition to family gatherings. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home!

Imagine serving these delightful bars warm out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or packing them up for a picnic. They’re incredibly versatile and always impress guests with their delicious flavors. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, whipping up these bars is a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the comforting taste of apples and caramel; even picky eaters won’t be able to resist!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the caramel sauce in advance and even bake the bars the day before serving.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a casual get-together, these bars fit right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how simple and wholesome these ingredients are. Gather these up, and you’ll be one step closer to indulging in your new favorite 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 wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative with some variations that can add even more excitement to these bars.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix in other fruits: Try adding cranberries or pears for a unique twist on flavor.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like ginger or cardamom for added warmth.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350℉. This step is important because starting with a hot oven helps the bars bake evenly. Grab your trusty 9×13 pan, spray it with nonstick spray, and line it with parchment paper. The overhang will make lifting out those delicious bars so much easier when they’re ready!

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, you’ll want to toss together those beautiful apple slices with lemon juice and all the filling ingredients. Stir gently using a silicone spatula so that you don’t break up those lovely apple slices. A well-mixed filling ensures every bite bursts with flavor!

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping Mixture

In a large bowl, melt your salted butter. Once melted, stir in all remaining bar ingredients until combined. This mixture will serve as both your crust at the bottom and crumbly topping at the end—talk about multitasking!

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Set aside about 2 cups of that crust mixture for later. Press the rest into your prepared pan to create an even base. Give those apples another good stir before spooning them over your crust layer evenly—remember to leave any excess liquid behind! Finally, sprinkle your reserved mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake Away!

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 ready when the topping turns golden brown and everything smells heavenly! Let them cool on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours before slicing—you’ll want them nice and set.

Step 6: Make Your Salted Caramel Sauce

While your bars are baking, this is the perfect time to make that luscious salted caramel sauce! Follow my detailed instructions here [link] for step-by-step guidance that guarantees success.

Step 7: Serve & Store

When you’re ready to serve these delicious treats, slice them up and drizzle generously with that irresistible salted caramel sauce! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days.

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

Don’t worry if you want to prepare ahead—caramel can be made up to three days ahead! Just heat it gently in the microwave before using it again. The bars themselves can also be made a day ahead; simply refrigerate after cooling completely at room temperature.

Enjoy every bite of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars—they’re sure to warm hearts as well as bellies!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Making these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is a delightful experience, and a few tips can enhance your success!

• Use a Variety of Apples: Mixing sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp adds depth to the flavor, creating a more complex and enjoyable taste in every bite.

• Don’t Skimp on the Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves brings warmth to the apple filling. These spices not only complement the apples but also evoke the comforting essence of fall.

• Let Them Cool Completely: After baking, allow the bars to cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing. This helps them set properly, making it easier to cut clean squares without them falling apart.

• Make the Caramel Ahead: Preparing your salted caramel sauce ahead of time saves you stress when it’s serving time. Plus, it allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

• Store Properly: Keeping the bars in an airtight container in the fridge ensures they stay fresh for up to four days. This way, you can enjoy them longer without sacrificing taste or texture!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These bars are not just tasty; they also offer a lovely presentation that can brighten any gathering! Here are some creative ideas for serving this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a luscious touch that complements the sweetness of the bars while keeping them dairy-free.

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans on top provides a satisfying crunch and enhances the bar’s overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a classic pairing that contrasts beautifully with warm apple pie bars, offering a creamy texture.

• Caramelized Bananas: Sautéing bananas in a bit of butter until golden brown adds another fruity element that pairs wonderfully with the caramel flavors.

• Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: These fluffy treats provide an additional sweet option that further enhances your dessert spread while keeping with the fall theme.

• Herbed Cheese Platter: A selection of herbed cheeses offers savory bites that balance out the sweetness of the bars, making for an exciting contrast on your dessert table.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every crumb!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are ideal for meal prep, making them a perfect treat to enjoy throughout the week or to share with friends. They keep well, and their flavors only get better as they sit!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• If you’ve added caramel, it’s best to store them together to maintain flavor and texture.
• Keep any leftover salted caramel sauce in a separate airtight container or jar in the fridge.

Freezing

• Allow the bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Slice into individual pieces and wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired number of bars from the fridge or freezer.
• If frozen, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a warm treat, microwave the bars for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.

FAQs

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

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

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

How do I ensure my apples are perfectly tender in Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

For tender apples, slice them thinly (between 1/8 and 1/4) and ensure they are evenly mixed with spices before baking. Baking them long enough will also help achieve that soft texture.

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or berries. Just adjust the spices according to your chosen fruit.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They’re not just a delicious dessert; they’re a warm embrace of fall flavors that can brighten any day. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy baking!