Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a true crowd-pleaser. They bring all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional apple pie into a fun and easy-to-eat bar form. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just because you want to treat yourself, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your home.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is. With a buttery oat crumble crust that doubles as a topping and a luscious spiced apple filling, every bite is an explosion of flavor. Plus, drizzling them with homemade salted caramel sauce takes them over the top. Trust me; your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: These bars require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. You’ll love how quickly they come together!
• Family-friendly: Everyone from kids to grandparents will enjoy these delicious treats. They’re perfect for sharing after dinner or as an afternoon snack.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare these bars in advance and store them in the fridge. They taste great whether warm or cold!
• Deliciously comforting: The combination of spiced apples and rich salted caramel creates a warm hug for your taste buds—perfect for fall!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll find that the ingredients are wholesome and straightforward. No need for fancy items here! Just gather these simple ingredients, and you’re ready to get started.

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

The beauty of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is their flexibility! You can easily customize them based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Mix up the spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Try other fruits: Substitute some apples with pears or berries for a seasonal variation.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and oats to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. This little step ensures easy removal later—trust me; you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to slice those beautiful bars!

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together your apple slices with all the filling ingredients. Gently stir using a silicone spatula so you don’t break up those lovely apple slices. This mixture is essential because it infuses the apples with sweet spice while they bake.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt your butter in a large bowl. Stir in all remaining bar ingredients until everything is combined. This mixture serves as both the base and topping, creating that delightful crumble texture we all love!

Step 4: Assemble It All Together

Reserve about two cups of the crust mixture for later use as topping. Press the rest firmly into your prepared pan. Give those spiced apples another stir before spooning them evenly over your crust layer—don’t forget to leave any excess liquid behind! Finally, sprinkle that reserved crust mixture generously over the top.

Step 5: Bake Away!

Pop those bars into your preheated oven and bake for about 38 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the topping turns golden brown and feels firm when pierced with a fork. While they bake, you can make your salted caramel sauce!

Step 6: Make Your Salted Caramel Sauce

Using my salted caramel recipe linked here, prepare your sauce while the bars cool down slightly on a wire rack nearby. The aroma will fill your kitchen—pure bliss!

Step 7: Serve & Store

Once cooled for about one or two hours, slice those bars according to your desired size! Drizzle generously with salted caramel just before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—if there are any left after everyone tastes them!

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare caramel up to three days ahead and refrigerate it until needed; just warm it back up before serving! The bars themselves can be made one day ahead too—they’re delicious at room temperature or chilled.

Enjoy every bite of these amazing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They’re sure to bring smiles around your table!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Choose the Right Apples: Using a variety of apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp enhances the flavor and texture of your bars. Tart apples balance the sweetness, while sweeter varieties add depth.

• Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: Tossing your apple slices in lemon juice not only prevents browning but also adds a bright acidity that complements the sweetness of the caramel and brown sugar.

• Let Them Cool Completely: After baking, allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. This helps them set properly, making it easier to slice without them falling apart.

• Make Your Own Salted Caramel Sauce: While store-bought is convenient, homemade salted caramel sauce can elevate your dessert. The fresh flavor and texture will take these bars to the next level!

• Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: Lining your pan with parchment paper makes it super easy to lift out the bars once they’re cooled. This way, you can cut perfect squares without any mess!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These delicious bars are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes! With just a few thoughtful touches, you can create an impressive dessert presentation.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a light and creamy element that balances the richness of the bars.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle finely chopped walnuts or pecans over the caramel drizzle for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint on top not only looks beautiful but also adds a refreshing touch that brightens up each bite.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm apple pie bars. It adds richness and balances out the spices in the bars.
• Caramelized Bananas: Sautéing bananas with a bit of butter and brown sugar creates a sweet side that complements the flavors in your dessert beautifully.
• Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Serve some crispy cinnamon sugar tortilla chips alongside for added texture. They are great for scooping up extra caramel!
• Warm Spiced Cider: A steaming cup of spiced cider enhances the fall vibes when enjoying these bars. The warm spices echo those found in the apple pie filling, creating a cozy pairing.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will be the star of any gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time for gatherings or simply to enjoy throughout the week. Their flavors only get better as they chill, making them an ideal dessert to prepare in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to refrigerate even if you haven’t added caramel on top.

Freezing

• Slice the bars and layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container.
• Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For warm bars, preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃).
• Place the bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

I know you might have some questions about these delicious bars! Here are some common ones:

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

Absolutely! While I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that different apples will yield different textures and sweetness levels!

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

You can follow my detailed salted caramel recipe linked above! It’s straightforward and gives you that dreamy drizzle perfect for complementing the apple pie flavors.

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

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking, ensuring it contains xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it already. The oats should also be certified gluten-free.

How long do Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these bars will last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. They also freeze well if you want to keep some longer!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They bring together all the comforting flavors of fall while being simple enough to whip up any day of the week. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo with a cup of tea, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy baking!