Sweet & Salty Bliss: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Sweet autumn afternoons call for decadent salted caramel apple pie bars that promise pure comfort and indulgence.

Layers of buttery crust and caramelized apples create a dessert that melts in your mouth with each delightful bite.

Crisp seasonal apples dance with rich caramel, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave through the filling, enhancing every delectable morsel.

The crumbly streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates this classic dessert into something extraordinary.

These bars blend traditional pie flavors with a convenient handheld treat that everyone will adore.

Bake a batch and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Sweet Meets Salty: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Craft Comfort Dessert: A delightful twist on classic apple pie that transforms the traditional recipe into easy-to-serve bars perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Layers of Deliciousness: Combines a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and crunchy crumb topping with an indulgent salted caramel drizzle that creates multiple flavor experiences in every bite.
• Simple Baking Adventure: Beginner-friendly recipe that requires basic baking skills and minimal specialized equipment, making it accessible for home bakers of all experience levels.
• Sweet Seasonal Treat: Showcases autumn's best flavors with warm spices, fresh apples, and rich caramel, ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dessert cravings.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bar Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that creates the sturdy base for the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Unsalted Butter: Gives rich flavor and helps create a tender shortbread texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.

• Apples: The star ingredient that provides fresh, sweet-tart fruit flavor and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps draw out apple juices.
• Brown Sugar: Creates depth of flavor and helps caramelize the apples.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright acidity.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling and absorb excess moisture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that complement the apple's natural sweetness.

• All-Purpose Flour, Oats: Provide structure and texture to the crumb topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crispy topping.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, crumbly texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Water: The base for creating the caramel sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel.
• Sea Salt: Provides a perfect balance to the sweet caramel.
• Cinnamon, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor of the topping.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Heat the oven to 350°F.

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Buttery Shortbread Base

• Melted butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Gently fold in flour until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a smooth, compact layer.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn a soft golden color.

Step 3: Develop the Spiced Apple Filling

• Diced apples
• Flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

Spread the fragrant apple mixture uniformly over the baked shortbread crust.

Step 4: Construct the Crumbly Topping

• Flour
• Rolled oats
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture transforms into delightful, uneven crumbs.

Generously sprinkle the topping across the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown topping and tender, bubbling apples.

Step 6: Craft the Luxurious Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat.

Stir until sugar dissolves completely.

Stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil until it reaches a rich amber color.

• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Sea salt

Step 7: Final Indulgent Touch

Allow the bars to cool slightly.

Drizzle the warm, glistening caramel sauce generously over the surface.

Slice and serve to eager dessert lovers.

Tips for Buttery, Crisp Pie Bars

• Cut apples into uniform, thin slices for even cooking and a perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
• Toss freshly cut apples with lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent oxidation during preparation.
• Press shortbread crust firmly and evenly into the pan to create a solid base that holds together when serving.
• Watch caramel sauce closely while cooking, as it can quickly burn; remove from heat the moment it turns amber for perfect flavor.
• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that maintain their shape and provide a balanced sweetness when baked.

Ways to Customize Caramel Apple Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend in crust and crumb topping. Use certified gluten-free oats to ensure no cross-contamination.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use plant-based cream in caramel sauce and coconut sugar instead of white sugar for deeper flavor profile.
• Nut-Crunch Option: Add chopped pecans or almonds to the crumb topping for extra texture and nutty complexity. Sprinkle toasted nuts over caramel sauce before serving.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar. Reduce caramel sauce quantity and replace with a lighter drizzle of sugar-free syrup.

Serving Suggestions for Pie Bars

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Slice these bars into bite-sized squares, arrange on a festive wooden board with a small pitcher of extra caramel sauce for dipping.
• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair a warm bar with a dollop of vanilla yogurt or serve alongside a steaming cup of cinnamon coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Presentation: Garnish each bar with a sprinkle of sea salt, a thin apple slice, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a restaurant-style finish.
• Seasonal Gathering Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert display by stacking the bars on a tiered cake stand, surrounded by fresh cinnamon sticks and whole apples for a cozy autumn feel.

Keeping Apple Pie Bars Just Right

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore crispy crust texture.
• Heat individual bars on 50% power for 15-20 seconds. Check temperature and add additional short bursts if needed to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Are the apples pre-cooked before adding to the bars?

No, the apples are not pre-cooked. They are tossed with spices and sugar, then added directly to the baked crust before the crumb topping is sprinkled on.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, choose firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

• How do I know when the caramel is ready?

Watch for an amber color and a slightly smoky smell. The process takes about 8-10 minutes, and the sugar will transform from clear to golden brown.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel apple pie bars bring warmth of autumn into sweet, crumbly squares packed with spiced apple goodness. Rich buttery layers meld classic flavors, promising delightful moments of pure comfort for dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with light greasing.
2. Create the foundational shortbread crust by blending melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Gradually incorporate flour until a uniform dough forms. Press the mixture evenly across the pan’s surface. Bake for 15-18 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue.
3. Prepare the apple mixture by combining diced apples with flour, sugars, lemon juice, and aromatic spices. Ensure thorough coating of apple pieces with the seasoned mixture.
4. Distribute the spiced apple layer uniformly across the pre-baked crust, creating an even landscape of fruit.
5. Craft the crumbly topping by integrating flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Generously scatter the topping over the apple layer.
6. Return the pan to the oven, baking for 30-35 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden crown and apples reach tender perfection.
7. Construct the salted caramel sauce by carefully heating sugar and water in a saucepan. Allow the mixture to transform into a rich amber color without stirring. Remove from heat and whisk in butter, cream, and sea salt, creating a luxurious drizzling sauce.
8. Once the bars have cooled, cascade the warm caramel sauce across the surface, enhancing the dessert with a decadent finish.

Notes

• Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, buttery texture of the original recipe.
• Use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make the bars accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Choose firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to prevent soggy bars and maintain a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Prevent apple browning by tossing diced apples in lemon juice immediately after cutting, which preserves their fresh color and adds a subtle tangy brightness.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 235
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg