Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’re in for a treat with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my house. It brings all the cozy flavors of apple pie but requires much less effort. The combination of tender spiced apples nestled between a crunchy oat crumble is simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the finishing touch—a drizzle of salted caramel that takes these bars to the next level!

These bars are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a cozy night in, or just need a sweet pick-me-up after a long day. They are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have delicious bars ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the combination of apples and caramel—it’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep these bars in advance so you can enjoy them whenever you want.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them warm, at room temperature, or even cold! They’re delicious no matter how you serve them.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create these scrumptious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars!

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 adjust the recipe to suit your taste or use what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use different fruits: Swap out some apples for pears or peaches for a fruity twist!
• Mix up the spices: Experiment with other spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
• Try different toppings: Instead of salted caramel, drizzle with chocolate sauce or serve with whipped cream.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Leave enough overhang on the ends so you can lift the bars out later—this makes slicing super easy!

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together your sliced apples with all the apple filling ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to stir gently; we want to keep those lovely apple slices intact. Mix everything well before setting it aside to let those flavors meld together.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt your butter in a large bowl—this is where the magic begins! Stir in all remaining bar ingredients until everything is well combined. The mixture should be crumbly yet hold together when pressed.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 2 cups of the crust mixture for topping later. Press the rest into your prepared pan evenly. Give your apple mixture another stir before pouring it over this base, leaving behind any excess liquid. Finally, sprinkle that reserved crust mixture generously on top!

Step 5: Bake

Pop those bars into your preheated oven and bake for about 38 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden brown while the apples become tender. When they’re done, allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours before slicing.

Step 6: Make Your Salted Caramel Sauce

While your bars are baking, whip up some salted caramel sauce using my detailed recipe here! It makes all the difference.

Step 7: Serve & Store

When you’re ready to serve, slice those delicious bars and drizzle them with salted caramel as desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge—though I doubt there will be many left!

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

You can make your caramel sauce up to three days ahead; just store it in the fridge until needed. If you’re prepping the bars ahead of time, let them cool at room temperature before refrigerating overnight. They’re fantastic warm or cold! Enjoy every sweet bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Making these delicious bars can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some expert suggestions to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time.

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination adds depth to the flavor and creates a nice balance in the filling.

• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice to your apple filling helps prevent browning and enhances the overall flavor. It brightens the taste of the apples, making them even more delicious.

• Use Cold Butter for Crust: For an extra crumbly topping, use cold salted butter when mixing your crust ingredients. This helps create a flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender apple filling.

• Let Them Cool Before Slicing: Allowing your bars to cool completely before cutting into them ensures cleaner slices. It also allows the flavors to meld together, making every bite more enjoyable.

• Adjust Caramel Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the sugar in the salted caramel sauce slightly. This way, it complements rather than overpowers the rich apple flavor.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serving these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is all about presentation and pairing them with delightful accompaniments. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch that balances the richness of the bars.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with apples.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top before serving enhances both appearance and flavor, giving it that classic apple pie vibe.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that melts delightfully over warm bars, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the rich bars while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
• Cheese Plate: Serve with a selection of mild cheeses like brie or gouda. The creaminess complements the sweetness of the bars beautifully.
• Hot Tea or Coffee: Pairing these bars with a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances their comforting qualities, making them perfect for an afternoon treat or after-dinner dessert.

Enjoy these tips and serving suggestions as you whip up your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! Not only can they be made ahead of time, but they also store beautifully, making them a great option for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• If you have leftover salted caramel sauce, store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge.

Freezing

• Slice the bars before freezing for easy access later.
• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Reheating

• For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃).
• Place the bars on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Drizzle with freshly made salted caramel sauce before serving for extra indulgence!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

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

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness and flavor.

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

You can easily make homemade salted caramel sauce by following my detailed recipe. It’s simple, and the result is a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the apple pie bars!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars without gluten?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

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

These bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. A drizzle of salted caramel on top adds an irresistible finish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They bring together all the comforting flavors of fall and are sure to impress friends and family alike. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, these bars are a delightful treat. Happy baking!