Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and caramel to embrace the cozy spirit of fall. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both decadent and easy to make, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a spiced apple filling, a crumbly streusel topping, and a generous drizzle of salted caramel, these bars offer all the deliciousness of a classic apple pie in a portable, bite-sized treat. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or craving a sweet snack, these bars are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves apple pie but wants a more approachable, easy-to-make option. These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine the rich, buttery taste of shortbread with the juicy, spiced flavor of apples and a crumbly oat streusel. Topped with salted caramel, they strike the perfect balance between sweet and salty, making them irresistible. Plus, they are portable and versatile — great for potlucks, parties, or simply indulging at home.

Ingredients Overview

Let’s break down the ingredients that make these bars so special:

• Shortbread Crust: Made with unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour. This base provides a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly supports the apple filling.
• Apple Filling: The heart of the recipe, this filling features thinly sliced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a deliciously spiced layer.
• Streusel Topping: A mix of rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter gives a crumbly, sweet, and slightly crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender apples.
• Salted Caramel: For the finishing touch, drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the top to enhance the sweetness with a hint of salt.

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• 8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Pastry blender or two forks
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

How to Make the Shortbread Crust

Start by preparing the shortbread crust, which serves as the foundation for these delightful bars.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (149°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the flour and mix until the ingredients are fully combined and a dough forms.
3. Press and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure it covers the bottom completely. Bake for 15 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling and streusel.

Creating the Apple Filling

Next, prepare the apple filling to add a layer of fresh, fruity flavor.

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel and thinly slice two large apples to about 1/4 inch thick. Use firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until all the apples are evenly coated, ensuring a consistent taste throughout the filling.

Making the Streusel Topping

The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to the bars.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
2. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender, two forks, or your hands, cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This ensures a perfect, crumbly streusel topping.

Assembling the Bars

Now it’s time to layer and bake the bars.

1. Increase Oven Temperature: Turn the oven up to 350°F (177°C).
2. Layer the Apples: Arrange the coated apple slices on top of the warm shortbread crust, layering them tightly to ensure even distribution. Don’t worry if it looks like too many apples; press them down to fit.
3. Add the Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer, ensuring it covers all the apples.
4. Bake: Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown.

Finishing Touch: Salted Caramel

The salted caramel adds a deliciously sweet and salty contrast to the bars.

1. Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. Then, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best results.
2. Cut and Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut them into 12-16 bars, depending on your preferred size. Drizzle each bar with salted caramel sauce before serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Serve these bars warm, at room temperature, or cold.
• For a decorative touch, drizzle the caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern across each bar.
• Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Soft Butter for Streusel: Make sure the butter is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
2. Overbaking the Crust: Bake the crust just until it’s lightly golden; overbaking can make it too hard.
3. Not Layering Apples Tightly: Press the apple slices down firmly to ensure even cooking and a compact bar.

Storing and Reheating

• To Store: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To Freeze: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• To Reheat: Warm individual bars in the oven at 300°F (149°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for extra crunch.
• Different Spices: Try adding ground ginger or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

FAQ Section

• Can I Use a Different Type of Apple? Yes, you can use any firm, tart apple such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
• How Long Do These Bars Last? When stored properly, they can last up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time? Absolutely! These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a must-try for any dessert lover! With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, crumbly streusel, and salted caramel drizzle, they bring together all the flavors of fall in a deliciously portable treat. Try this recipe at your next gathering and watch them disappear in no time. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes!

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