Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Are you craving the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness? Look no further than these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! This delectable dessert is the ultimate fall treat, combining layers of buttery shortbread, spiced apple filling, and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. These bars are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fun twist on the classic apple pie. Read on to learn how to make this irresistible dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

What Are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are an easy-to-make dessert that blends the classic flavors of an apple pie with the indulgence of salted caramel sauce. This dessert consists of three layers: a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy, crumbly streusel topping. The pièce de résistance is the salted caramel sauce that is drizzled over the top, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness. These bars are a simpler, handheld version of apple pie, making them perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade treat.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

To create the ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you'll need three sets of ingredients: one for the shortbread crust, one for the apple filling, and one for the streusel topping. Let’s break it down:

For the Shortbread Crust:

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

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

For the Streusel Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or more, to taste)

Substitutions and Variations

There are endless ways to customize these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars to suit your taste or dietary needs.

1. Apples: If you don’t have Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, feel free to use any other tart variety like Fuji or Braeburn. You can also mix apple varieties for more complex flavors.
2. Flour: For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Butter: You can use vegan butter if you're looking to make this recipe dairy-free. Coconut oil can also work as a substitute for the butter in both the crust and the streusel.
4. Caramel Sauce: If making caramel from scratch feels intimidating, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. Just add a pinch of sea salt to mimic the salted caramel effect.
5. Spices: While cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that traditional apple pie flavor, you can get creative by adding allspice, cardamom, or even a hint of ginger.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before you begin making your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, make sure to gather all the ingredients and tools you’ll need, such as a mixing bowl, baking dish, and whisk. Now, let's get cooking!

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

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the flour to the butter mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure to press it into the corners.
4. Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or until it's just starting to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice (if using). Make sure all the apple slices are evenly coated.
2. Spread the apple mixture over the partially baked shortbread crust, ensuring the apples are distributed evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple filling, covering the apples completely.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Bake the assembled bars for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before removing and slicing them into squares.

Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. While the bars are cooling, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. The sugar will begin to clump and eventually melt into a thick amber liquid.
2. Once the sugar is completely melted, carefully add the butter, stirring constantly until it's fully incorporated.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, being careful as the mixture will bubble up. Let the caramel simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.
4. Allow the caramel to cool for a few minutes, then drizzle it generously over the cooled apple pie bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the crust: Be careful not to overmix the shortbread dough, as this can lead to a tough, overly dense crust.
2. Not evenly slicing apples: Make sure your apple slices are thin and evenly cut so they bake evenly and are tender in every bite.
3. Burning the caramel: When making caramel sauce, keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts to avoid burning. Burnt caramel will taste bitter and ruin the flavor of the bars.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are ready, it's time to think about presentation and how to serve them to impress your guests.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These bars can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. If you're serving them warm, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert. The warmth of the bars will slightly melt the ice cream, creating a rich and creamy pairing that is hard to resist.

For a more casual setting, serve the bars as-is on a plate with a drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce on top. They’re great with a cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon snack.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

1. Drizzle More Caramel: Before serving, add a final drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for a glossy, delicious finish.
2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on each bar adds a touch of elegance and creaminess.
3. Sprinkle of Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the bars enhances the sweet and salty balance, making for an attractive garnish.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead: You can make the bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just wait to drizzle the caramel sauce until you're ready to serve.
2. Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
3. More Caramel: Don’t be shy with the caramel sauce—if you're a caramel lover, feel free to double the sauce recipe for extra drizzling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
A: Yes! Pears or peaches would make excellent substitutes in this recipe. Just adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the fruit.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Absolutely! Use vegan butter for both the crust and streusel, and opt for a dairy-free caramel sauce recipe or use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and spiced flavors, making them an unforgettable treat for any occasion. With their buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced apple filling, and crunchy streusel topping, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, holiday party, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this recipe will not disappoint. Try it today and enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors that will keep everyone reaching for another bar!

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