Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

If you love the flavors of apple pie but want a more convenient, handheld treat, these salted caramel apple pie bars are the answer! With layers of buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly streusel topping, these bars are perfect for fall. To top it all off, a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel adds a touch of indulgence that takes these bars to the next level. Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering or as a weeknight dessert, these salted caramel apple pie bars are a surefire hit. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions to make this irresistible dessert!

this Recipe

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What are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Salted caramel apple pie bars are a portable version of a classic apple pie, but easier to make and serve. They start with a buttery shortbread crust, followed by a sweet apple filling spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. A crumbly streusel topping adds texture and crunch, while the finishing touch is a drizzle of salted caramel. The combination of buttery crust, juicy apples, crunchy topping, and rich caramel makes these bars an irresistible treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall.

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Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Shortbread Crust:

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

Apple Filling:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Streusel Topping:

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

Salted Caramel Sauce:

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

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Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the crust and topping to make these bars gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the caramel sauce.
• Apple Varieties: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their tartness, you can use sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala if you prefer a less tart filling.
• Streusel Add-ins: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for a nutty crunch.
• Store-Bought Caramel: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making your own. Just sprinkle sea salt on top before serving.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust:

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
• Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the flour until fully combined and a soft dough forms.
• Press the Crust into the Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to ensure it’s packed tightly.
• Bake the Crust: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool while you prepare the apple filling.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

• Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice until the apples are well coated.
• Layer the Apples: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.

3. Make the Streusel Topping:

• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
• Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the topping resembles coarse crumbs.
• Top the Apples: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer, making sure to cover the apples completely.

4. Bake the Bars:

• Bake: Bake the assembled bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
• Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting.

5. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth amber-colored liquid. Be patient, as this can take a few minutes.
• Add the Butter: Carefully add the cubed butter, stirring until it’s fully melted and combined with the sugar. The mixture will bubble up, so stir carefully.
• Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, continuing to stir constantly. Allow the mixture to boil for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
• Stir in Salt: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling over the bars.

6. Assemble and Serve:

• Drizzle with Caramel: Once the bars are cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top.
• Cut and Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares. Serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

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

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust: The key to a solid foundation is pressing the shortbread crust firmly into the pan. Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy once you add the apples.
2. Toss the Apples Properly: Make sure the apple slices are well-coated with the sugar, flour, and spices. The flour helps thicken any juice the apples release during baking.
3. Cut in the Cold Butter: For a crunchy streusel, make sure the butter is cold and cut into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly texture. This ensures the topping stays crisp and golden.
4. Patience with Caramel: When making the caramel, don’t rush the process. Stir constantly and keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the sugar.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Pre-Bake for the Crust: Don’t skip pre-baking the shortbread crust. It helps the crust set, giving the bars a sturdy base.
• Overcooking the Apples: If the apple slices are cut too thin, they can turn mushy. Aim for about ⅛-inch thick slices so they stay tender but hold their shape.
• Burning the Caramel: Watch the caramel carefully, as sugar can burn quickly. Once it turns amber, immediately lower the heat and add the butter and cream to prevent scorching.
• Cutting Bars Too Early: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. If they’re too warm, they may fall apart.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

• Serve at Room Temperature: These bars taste best at room temperature, but you can also warm them up slightly for an extra cozy treat.
• Pair with Ice Cream: For a truly indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream.
• Extra Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle more salted caramel over each bar just before serving for extra richness and a beautiful presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

• Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on each bar adds a light and creamy contrast to the rich apple and caramel flavors.
• Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the caramel and enhances the flavor.
• Garnish with Apple Slices: For an extra autumnal touch, garnish the plate with thin slices of fresh or caramelized apples.

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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare these bars a day in advance. Just wait to drizzle the caramel until right before serving to keep the topping crisp.
• Storing: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven to re-crisp the topping.
• Caramel Sauce: If the caramel sauce thickens too much while cooling, gently reheat it in a saucepan or microwave for a few seconds until it’s pourable again.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze salted caramel apple pie bars?
Yes! You can freeze the bars (without the caramel) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and drizzle with caramel before serving.

What kind of apples should I use?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel and streusel. However, Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples are also great options if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works well. Just be sure to sprinkle a little sea salt on top for that salted caramel flavor.

How long do these bars last?
Stored in an airtight container, these bars will last up to 2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

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Conclusion

Salted caramel apple pie bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and spiced, making them an ideal fall dessert. With a buttery shortbread crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, a crunchy streusel topping, and rich salted caramel drizzle, these bars capture the essence of autumn in every bite. Whether you're serving them at a holiday gathering or treating yourself to a cozy evening dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!

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