Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful combination of buttery shortbread, cinnamon-spiced apples, and rich salted caramel. This delicious dessert is perfect for autumn or any occasion when you're craving something sweet, tart, and salty all at once. If you’re a fan of classic apple pie but want a portable, easy-to-serve version, these bars are exactly what you need. Follow along with this recipe to make your own irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars at home, and read until the end to discover expert tips for serving, presentation, and troubleshooting common mistakes!

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What are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a twist on the traditional apple pie. Instead of baking a whole pie, the filling is spread over a buttery shortbread crust and topped with a crumble topping. To finish, the bars are drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. They are served as easy-to-slice bars, which makes them ideal for parties, potlucks, or a casual family dessert.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Before diving into the process, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients for this delicious recipe. Each component adds something special, from the crumbly shortbread crust to the gooey apple filling.

For the Shortbread 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:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

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

Substitutions and Variations

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are incredibly versatile. If you’re missing some ingredients or prefer different flavors, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Apples: While classic Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well during baking, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix of apples for a variety of flavors.
• Butter Alternatives: You can replace butter with margarine or coconut oil in the shortbread crust and crumble topping for a dairy-free version.
• Sugar: If you prefer a healthier version, substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar, which will give the bars a richer flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Caramel Sauce: Don’t want to make homemade caramel sauce? You can easily substitute it with store-bought caramel sauce and add a pinch of sea salt for that salted caramel effect.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars involves creating three distinct layers: the shortbread crust, the apple filling, and the crumble topping. The final touch is the salted caramel sauce, drizzled generously over the baked bars.

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

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to remove the bars from the pan later.
2. Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually stir in the flour until the mixture is smooth. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the base. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is just starting to turn golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the crust is baking, mix the sliced apples with both types of sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are fully coated. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling, so your bars don't end up too runny.
4. Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine the cold, cubed butter, brown sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the ingredients until the mixture forms small crumbs. Set this aside.
5. Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the slightly cooled shortbread crust. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples, covering them completely.
6. Bake the Bars: Return the assembled bars to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden and the apples are tender. The edges should be slightly bubbly, indicating that the apples are cooked through.
7. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: While the bars are baking, prepare the salted caramel sauce. Heat the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter (it will bubble up), whisking until fully combined. Slowly add the heavy cream and continue whisking. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling.
8. Drizzle and Cool: Once the bars are out of the oven, let them cool for 10 minutes. Then, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Crust: Avoid overmixing the shortbread crust dough, as this can make it tough. Mix just until combined for a tender, buttery crust.
• Thin Apple Slices: Make sure your apple slices are uniform and not too thick, so they cook evenly. Slicing too thin can cause them to turn mushy.
• Burning the Caramel: Be cautious when making the caramel sauce. Sugar can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
• Cutting Too Soon: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. If you cut while they're still warm, they might fall apart and become messy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Here are some ideas to make them look as good as they taste:

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Room Temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature, where the flavors of the buttery crust, tender apples, and salted caramel shine.
• Warm with Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, warm the bars slightly in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
• Garnish: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle for an extra pop of flavor and texture.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Drizzle Extra Caramel: When plating, drizzle more caramel over the bars for a beautiful, glossy finish.
• Dust of Cinnamon: A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar can enhance the visual appeal.
• Elegant Cuts: Use a sharp knife to cut clean, even bars. Wipe the knife between cuts to keep the edges neat.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the Bars: For easier slicing, chill the bars in the fridge for about 20 minutes after they've cooled to room temperature.
• Store Properly: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing Option: You can freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make the bars ahead of time? Yes, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and drizzle the caramel sauce right before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works well. Just make sure to add a pinch of sea salt to achieve the salted caramel flavor.

3. What type of apples should I use? Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor and firm texture. However, you can use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious for a more complex flavor profile.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour in both the crust and crumble topping.

5. How long do these bars last? Stored properly, these bars can last up to 3 days at room temperature, 7 days in the fridge, or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, combining all the comforting flavors of apple pie with the rich, indulgent taste of salted caramel. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or simply treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to impress. The layers of buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and crumbly topping drizzled with salted caramel create a delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite. With easy substitutions and make-ahead options, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion. Now that you know how to make them, it’s time to get baking!

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