Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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Salted caramel apple pie bars with a golden crust and drizzled caramel on top.
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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Cozy Indulgence

As the crisp air of autumn settles in and the leaves begin to paint the landscape in warm hues of orange and gold, there’s nothing quite as inviting as the aroma of freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home. Imagine slicing into a perfectly baked bar, the buttery crust giving way to tender apples drenched in a sweet, salty caramel sauce that highlights the comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. Salted caramel apple pie bars are not just a dessert; they are a celebration of the season, inviting you to gather with loved ones and experience the sheer joy of fall flavors.

The delightful blend of textures and tastes makes these bars an ideal choice for cozy mornings, family gatherings, or even as a quick meal accompaniment to your afternoon coffee. These bars are easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for potlucks or casual get-togethers where sharing a slice of warmth is always appreciated.

Recipe Information:

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 12
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Nutrition Information (per serving):
    • Calories: 250
    • Protein: 2g
    • Carbohydrates: 37g
    • Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Sugar: 15g

(Referenced from USDA FoodData Central)

Why Make This Recipe

These salted caramel apple pie bars bring together the iconic flavors of apple pie and elevate them with a rich, buttery caramel that cuts through the sweetness. The ease of making these bars, paired with the pleasure they bring, makes them an excellent option for any occasion where comfort and deliciousness are key. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself after a long day, these bars are sure to impress.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Optional Substitutions:

  • For a nutty flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
  • Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for gluten-free bars.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use agave syrup instead of caramel sauce.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
  4. In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, ensuring they are evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
  5. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
  6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt.
  7. Allow to cool in the dish for at least 15 minutes before cutting into bars.

How to Serve

These salted caramel apple pie bars can be enjoyed warm from the oven or at room temperature. Serve them plain, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, or even with a drizzle of additional caramel sauce. Pair them with a steaming cup of coffee or a soothing cup of tea for the ultimate sweet treat experience.

How to Store

To keep your apple pie bars fresh:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Expert Tips

  • For the best apple flavor, choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
  • Avoid overmixing the crumble mixture to ensure a tender, buttery texture.
  • Test doneness by checking for a golden top; the filling should be bubbling slightly.

Delicious Variations

  • Cinnamon Swirl: Swirl in a cheesecake mixture before topping with the remaining crumble for a creamy twist.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a gluten-free version.
  • Vegan Version: Substitute all dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives for a delicious vegan treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen apples?
    Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bars soggy.

  2. What can I substitute for caramel sauce?
    You can make a simple homemade caramel using sugar, butter, and cream, or use store-bought dulce de leche.

  3. How can I adjust the sweetness?
    You can reduce the amount of brown sugar for a less sweet filling; each cook’s taste varies!

Conclusion

The salted caramel apple pie bars are a delightful fall treat that encapsulates the essence of comfort food. Their rich flavors and satisfying textures will have you coming back for more. We invite you to bake a batch, savor every bite, and share your thoughts or your very own creative variations! There’s something truly special about gathering around a sweet treat made from the heart, and these bars are the perfect way to celebrate that warmth and unity. Enjoy!

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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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Description

Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these salted caramel apple pie bars featuring a buttery crust, tender apples, and rich caramel sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
  4. In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
  5. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
  6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples, then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top.
  7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
  8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt.
  9. Allow to cool in the dish for at least 15 minutes before cutting into bars.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature, preferably with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Store in an airtight container to keep fresh.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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