Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, crunchy and soft, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Imagine biting into layers of buttery crust and tender apples, all drizzled with rich salted caramel. These pie bars are not just a dessert; they’re a cozy hug during chilly fall evenings. Packed with warm spices and fresh apples, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!
What You’ll Need for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
To whip up these delicious bars, gather the following ingredients:
- Apples: 5 medium apples, sliced between 1/8" and 1/4" thick
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tbsp
- Brown Sugar: 1/3 cup (packed)
- Cinnamon: 1 tbsp
- Nutmeg: 3/8 tsp
- Allspice: 1/4 tsp
- Ground Cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Pinch of Salt
- Salted Butter: 1 and 1/2 cups (melted)
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (for crust)
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 2 cups
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 and 1/2 cups (packed)
- Baking Soda: 1 and 1/2 tsp
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Salted Butter: 6 tbsp (cubed)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp
- Pinch of Fine Sea Salt
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ (180℃). Use nonstick spray to coat a 9×13 pan and then line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- For the apple filling, in a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples with lemon juice, 3 tbsp of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Set the mixture aside to let the flavors mingle.
- In another large bowl, melt the salted butter for the crust/topping, and then stir in the remaining crust ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Reserve 2 cups of this crust mixture for the topping and press the rest firmly into the prepared pan to form the bottom layer.
- Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the crust, followed by the reserved crust mixture on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 38 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Let the bars cool for 1-2 hours before slicing into squares. Drizzle with warm salted caramel just before serving for that extra touch of deliciousness!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
These delectable bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. For a cozy presentation, place them on a beautiful platter and drizzle with a generous amount of salted caramel. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side complements the sweet and salty flavors perfectly. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top if you wish to add a little crunch!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Apple Variety: Feel free to mix and match apple types. A combination of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, can elevate the flavor even more.
- Add Some Walnuts: For an extra crunch, consider folding chopped walnuts into the apple mixture before spreading it over the crust.
- Salted Caramel: If you’re short on time, store-bought salted caramel sauce works just fine!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars FAQs
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! You can try using pears or a mixture of apples and pears for a delicious twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store your pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave if you prefer them warm.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
You won’t regret trying these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing. Your family and friends will love every bite! Enjoy baking, and happy eating!