Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars offer the delicious flavors of traditional apple pie with much less effort! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations. With a golden oat crumble topping and a generous layer of spiced apples, these bars are sure to impress. The drizzle of salted caramel on top adds an irresistible finish that makes them a standout dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These bars combine all the elements of apple pie without the hassle of making a crust from scratch.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spiced apples and rich salted caramel creates a mouthwatering treat.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a sweet indulgence at home.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the caramel ahead of time and assemble the bars when you’re ready to bake.
• Great for Sharing: Cut into generous portions, these bars are easy to share with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for allowing even baking and easy slicing of your bars.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to lift the bars out after baking.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Silicone spatula: Great for gently mixing ingredients without damaging delicate apple slices.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the ends so you can lift the bars out later.

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together the sliced apples with lemon juice and all other filling ingredients. Stir gently with a silicone spatula to avoid breaking up the apple slices. Ensure everything is well mixed, then set aside.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt the butter in a large bowl. Stir in the remaining crust ingredients until combined.

Step 4: Assemble

Reserve 2 cups (about 330 grams) of this mixture for topping. Press the rest into your prepared pan to form an even base. Give the apple mixture another stir, then spoon it evenly over the crust layer, leaving excess liquid behind. Sprinkle reserved crust mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 38 to 45 minutes until golden brown on top, and apples feel tender when pierced with a fork. While baking, prepare your salted caramel sauce as per your favorite recipe. Once baked, cool on a wire rack for about 1–2 hours before slicing.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow your preferred recipe for salted caramel sauce while your bars are cooling.

Step 7: Serve & Store

Slice into bars when ready to serve, drizzling each piece with salted caramel as desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare caramel up to three days in advance; just microwave it briefly before use. These bars can also be made one day ahead; refrigerate until serving—delicious warm or cold!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serving Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple suggestions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying them at home, these ideas will elevate your dessert presentation.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that complements the warm flavors of the bars.
• Caramel Swirl Ice Cream: Adds an extra touch of sweetness and fun texture.

Drizzle with Extra Sauce

• Homemade Salted Caramel: A fresh drizzle enhances the flavor and makes for an eye-catching presentation.
• Chocolate Sauce: For those who love chocolate, this adds a rich contrast to the apple filling.

Serve with Fresh Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Cream: A dollop of whipped cream balances the richness of the bars and adds a creamy texture.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Try cinnamon or vanilla-flavored whipped cream for an added twist.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Brewed Coffee: The warmth of coffee pairs wonderfully with the spiced apples in the bars.
• Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea can complement the dessert without overwhelming its flavors.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Perfecting your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can turn an already delicious dessert into something extraordinary. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples give the best flavor and texture. Choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for depth.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are precise for even baking.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients for the crust, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bars.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Letting the bars cool allows them to set properly, making slicing easier and neater.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

While Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are delicious on their own, here are some side dishes that pair beautifully and enhance your dessert experience.

1. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop offers a creamy contrast that complements the bar’s flavor profile perfectly.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies add a delightful crunch and chocolatey goodness alongside apple flavors.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the sweetness of the bars.
4. Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar provide savory notes that contrast well with sweet desserts.
5. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Embrace fall flavors with these muffins; they’re moist and spiced just right!
6. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips provide a fun way to enjoy additional caramel dipping options while adding crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common pitfalls when making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong apple variety: Using apples that are too soft can result in mushy filling. Opt for firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
• Skipping the lemon juice: Not adding lemon juice to your apple filling can lead to overly sweet bars. The acidity balances the sweetness, so don’t skip this step!
• Overmixing the crust: Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until combined for a crumbly, tender crust.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your bar’s consistency. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Not letting the bars cool: Cutting into warm bars can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep refrigerated whether or not they have caramel on top.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

Can I use different fruits in my pie bars?

You can definitely mix it up! Pears or berries work well as alternatives to apples.

How do I make vegan Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Substitute butter with plant-based options and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the caramel sauce.

What should I serve with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

These bars pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping for an extra treat!

How long do these pie bars last?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars offer all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie without the fuss. Their versatility allows for various fruit fillings and toppings, making them perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize them with your favorite flavors!