Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of all things sweet and salty, then this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars recipe is about to become your new favorite treat! Imagine the buttery, flaky crust of a classic apple pie, topped with sweet and tart apple filling, and drizzled with rich, salted caramel sauce. These bars are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, creating a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Read on to discover how to make this delicious treat step-by-step.

What are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a modern twist on the classic apple pie. Instead of a traditional pie, these bars are made with layers of shortbread crust, apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, all finished with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. These bars are easier to make than a full pie and are perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime you want a dessert that travels well. The balance of sweet apples, buttery crust, and a hint of salty caramel makes these bars a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

To make these irresistible bars, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for the crust, filling, topping, and caramel sauce:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

For the Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with substitutions and variations based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Apple Variety: While Granny Smith apples are typically used for their tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter filling.
• Vegan Alternative: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and use coconut milk in place of the heavy cream in the caramel sauce.
• Spice Mix: Feel free to add other warm spices like ground cloves or ginger to enhance the fall flavors of the filling.
• Nuts: For added crunch, mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before we dive into the details, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

1. Prepare the Crust:
   In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined. Slowly add the flour and stir until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure it reaches the edges. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling and streusel topping.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Add the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and toss until the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and spices. Set the apple mixture aside to marinate for a few minutes.
3. Make the Streusel Topping:
   In a separate bowl, combine the cold butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until they resemble coarse crumbs. The butter should still be visible in small pieces, as this will create a flaky, crumbly topping.
4. Assemble the Bars:
   Spread the apple filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust. Be sure to layer the apples so that they cover the entire surface. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples, making sure it’s distributed evenly.
5. Bake the Bars:
   Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.
6. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
   While the bars are cooling, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter, stirring until fully incorporated, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Continue to stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling it over the bars.

How to Cook Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

To summarize the process, follow these key steps:

1. Make and bake the shortbread crust.
2. Prepare the spiced apple filling.
3. Mix the streusel topping.
4. Assemble the layers: crust, apples, streusel.
5. Bake until golden and fragrant.
6. Finish with homemade salted caramel sauce.

The combination of these steps will result in the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and salty flavors in each bite. By following this guide, you’ll have delicious bars that capture the essence of autumn in every mouthful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is fairly straightforward, but there are a few common mistakes that can be easily avoided:

• Overmixing the Streusel Topping: Be careful not to overwork the butter into the flour when making the streusel topping. You want it to be crumbly, not a smooth dough.
• Soggy Crust: Ensure the crust is baked until it’s lightly golden before adding the apple filling. If it’s underbaked, it may become soggy once the filling is added.
• Runny Caramel: When making the caramel sauce, be patient and allow the sugar to melt completely before adding the butter and cream. If the sugar isn’t fully melted, the caramel may turn out lumpy or grainy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Here are some serving tips to elevate your presentation:

• Serve Warm with Ice Cream: These bars are divine when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the bars just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
• Garnish with Sea Salt: A small pinch of sea salt flakes sprinkled on top adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the sweet-salty flavor balance.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Once the bars have cooled and been sliced into squares, arrange them on a platter for easy serving. These bars are great for large gatherings, as they can be eaten by hand or plated for a more formal presentation. If serving at a party, consider providing small dessert plates and forks for guests.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

For a beautiful display, consider these creative presentation ideas:

• Individual Wrapping: For parties or gift-giving, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper and tie with a piece of twine.
• Layered on a Cake Stand: Stack the bars on a tiered cake stand to create a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
• Rustic Style: Serve the bars on a wooden cutting board, with a small bowl of extra caramel sauce for guests to drizzle over their bars.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips

To get the best results every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Cold Butter for the Streusel: Cold butter ensures a crumbly, flaky streusel. Warm butter will melt into the topping, making it less crispy.
• Cut the Bars After Cooling: For clean slices, make sure the bars have cooled completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to keep the edges neat.
• Store Properly: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat them slightly before serving for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

What apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are the best choice because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the caramel. However, you can use any apple variety you prefer.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. Just be sure to choose a high-quality sauce to complement the homemade flavors of the bars.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the comfort of apple pie with the rich, salty sweetness of caramel. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or as a special treat anytime of year. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly streusel topping, they’re sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors in every bite!

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