Fall is the perfect time for baking, and what better way to celebrate the season than with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars? These scrumptious bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie with a delightful twist. They feature buttery, cinnamon-spiced apples layered over a flaky crust, topped with a crumbly oat streusel, and drizzled with rich, homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
3 large apples (Granny Smith recommended), peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Streusel Topping:
½ cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
Store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce for drizzling
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the flour until combined. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
Make the Streusel Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Bars:
Remove the crust from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Evenly layer the apples over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples.
Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.
Drizzle with Caramel:
Once cooled, drizzle the bars with salted caramel sauce. Cut into squares and serve.
Serving Tips:
Warm or Cold: These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For a cozy treat, warm them slightly in the microwave before serving. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Presentation: Cut the bars into even squares and arrange them on a decorative platter. Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Garnishes: Enhance the flavors with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top before serving. Fresh apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar can also make a lovely garnish.
Pairings: Serve with coffee, tea, or apple cider for a perfect fall-themed dessert spread.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They taste best when enjoyed fresh, but they can maintain their flavor and texture for a short period.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, store the bars in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing odors.
Freezing: For longer storage, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, or warm them in the oven or microwave.
Caramel Sauce: If you have leftover salted caramel sauce, store it separately in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before drizzling over the bars when serving.
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FAQs:
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other apple varieties! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn apples for a sweeter flavor. A mix of different apples can also create a more complex taste.
How can I make the salted caramel sauce from scratch?
To make homemade salted caramel sauce, you’ll need sugar, butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of sea salt. Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it melts and turns a golden color. Carefully add butter and stir until melted. Gradually whisk in heavy cream until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let it cool before drizzling over the bars.
How do I prevent the apple filling from becoming too soggy?
To prevent a soggy filling, be sure to coat the sliced apples with flour before layering them on the crust. This will help absorb excess moisture. Additionally, avoid overbaking; just bake until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! You can make gluten-free Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the oats used in the streusel topping are certified gluten-free, as regular oats can be contaminated with gluten during processing.
Conclusion:
Indulge in these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars this fall! Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a treat at home, they’re sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your baking experience on social media and tag us for a chance to be featured! Happy baking!
📖 Recipe:
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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! These buttery bars are layered with cinnamon-spiced apples, a crumbly oat streusel, and drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for fall baking, they combine the classic taste of apple pie in a convenient, easy-to-make bar form. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy treat at home, these bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
3 large apples (Granny Smith recommended), peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Streusel Topping:
½ cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
Store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in flour until combined. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a medium bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Remove the crust from the oven, increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C), layer the apples over the crust, and sprinkle with streusel topping.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Allow to cool completely, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
Choose Granny Smith apples for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
These bars freeze well; wrap them tightly and store for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: 300 kcal
