Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are everything you adore about traditional apple pie but with a fraction of the effort. Imagine sinking your teeth into layers of spiced, tender apples nestled between a buttery, brown sugar oat crumble. Drizzled with rich salted caramel, these bars are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Everyone will be asking for seconds!

This recipe is not just a treat; it’s a warm hug in dessert form. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these bars will surely bring smiles to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll whip these up in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the delicious flavors and textures.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for potlucks or gatherings—everyone will want to try your amazing creation!
• Make-ahead convenience: These bars can be made in advance, making them ideal for busy schedules.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of apples and salted caramel creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful bars! You’ll find everything you need right at your local grocery store. Here’s what to prepare:

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 flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. Here are some tasty variations to consider:

• Add nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with pumpkin spice or cardamom for a different twist on flavor.
• Use different fruits: Try pears or a mix of apples for a unique take on this classic dessert.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350℉. This ensures even baking from the start! Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Make sure you leave enough overhang on the ends so that you can easily lift out the bars later.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together the sliced apples with all their filling ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to gently stir them—this way, we keep those lovely apple slices intact while ensuring every bite is flavorful!

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt the butter in a large bowl. Stir in the remaining crust ingredients until everything is combined into a crumbly mixture. This is where our crust gets its delicious buttery flavor!

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 2 cups of this crust mixture for topping later. Press the rest into your prepared pan firmly; this forms our base layer. Give those spiced apples another good stir before spooning them evenly over this base layer—leave any excess liquid behind as it can make things soggy! Finally, sprinkle that reserved crust mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake!

Bake your bars for about 38 to 45 minutes. You want them golden brown on top, and when you poke through with a fork, those apples should feel tender. While they bake, take this time to make your salted caramel sauce—check my detailed recipe linked here!

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Once baked, let your bars cool on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours before slicing them into perfect squares. Trust me; they’ll be worth the wait!

Step 7: Serve & Store

Slice up those delicious bars and drizzle generously with salted caramel when ready to serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about three to four days—you’ll want to keep them fresh! If you have leftover caramel sauce, store it separately in an airtight jar.

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

You can actually prepare this caramel sauce up to three days ahead—just pop it in the fridge until needed! A quick microwave zap will loosen it back up beautifully. And if you want to get ahead on these bars, they can be made one day prior too!

Enjoy these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars warm, at room temperature, or even chilled from the fridge—they’re delicious no matter how you serve them!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Baking is an art, and with these pro tips, you’ll be able to create the most delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars that your friends and family will rave about!

• Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination enhances the flavor profile and ensures a perfect balance between sweetness and tartness.

• Don’t Skimp on the Spices: The right spices can elevate your bars from good to unforgettable. Make sure to measure carefully; the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves bring warmth and depth to your apple filling.

• Let Them Cool: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing helps them set up nicely. If you cut them too soon, they might crumble instead of holding their shape.

• Make Extra Caramel Sauce: You can never have too much caramel! Whipping up a little extra sauce not only gives you a delicious topping but also provides a delightful dip for leftover bars or other desserts.

• Experiment with Oats: For added texture, consider using different types of oats or even adding nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble mixture. This variation can introduce an exciting crunch to each bite!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serving your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to make your presentation pop.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich caramel and spiced apples.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top for an extra crunch that complements the soft texture of the bars.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the top just before serving adds visual appeal and reinforces the cozy fall flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that contrasts beautifully with warm apple pie bars.
• Caramelized Pears: Sautéing pears in a bit of butter and sugar creates a warm, sweet side that pairs delightfully with the apple flavors.
• Autumn Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, dried cranberries, feta cheese (or vegan alternative), and candied pecans brings a refreshing balance to your dessert table.
• Cheese Plate: Include some sharp cheddar or a creamy brie. The savory notes from cheese beautifully offset the sweetness of the apple pie bars.

With these serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to impress your guests at your next gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and enjoy the delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• If you have leftover salted caramel, keep it in a separate airtight jar in the fridge as well.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the bars before drizzling with caramel.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen bars, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
• Drizzle with fresh salted caramel before serving for that extra touch!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

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

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, feel free to experiment with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Gala apples. Each variety will bring a unique flavor to your bars!

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

You can follow my detailed salted caramel recipe linked earlier! It’s easy to make and adds the perfect finishing touch to your bars. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before drizzling over your delicious dessert.

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

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

How long do Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars last?

If stored properly, these bars can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned above!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They’re a wonderful way to embrace fall flavors while enjoying a delightful treat that’s easier than traditional pie. Whether you serve them warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to try these delicious bars!