These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a heavenly combination of tender apple slices, warm spices, and a buttery crust, all topped with a luscious salted caramel drizzle. Each bite is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, making it a truly irresistible dessert.
Whether you’re celebrating the fall season or just craving something indulgent, these apple pie bars are the answer. They’re easy to make, serve a crowd, and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can even experiment with different types of apples to create your ideal flavor profile!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 egg
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
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In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
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Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough starts to come together.
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Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
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In a separate bowl, toss the apple slices with cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and lemon juice.
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Spread the apple mixture over the crust layer in the pan.
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Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the edges are lightly browned.
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Once baked, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top while the bars are still warm.
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Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 12 bars
Why Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the Ultimate Fall Treat
There’s something about the combination of warm, spiced apples and a buttery crust that just screams fall. When you add salted caramel into the mix, it takes the entire experience to the next level. The sweetness of the caramel paired with the slight saltiness creates a flavor profile that’s irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and it will quickly become your new go-to dessert during the cooler months.
In addition to their amazing flavor, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to worry about rolling out dough or fussing with a pie crust. Instead, you press the dough into a pan, layer the spiced apples, bake, and top with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. The result is a dessert that’s as delicious as it is simple to prepare.
The Versatility of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
What makes these bars even more appealing is their versatility. While they’re perfect for fall, they can be enjoyed year-round. You can also customize the recipe to suit your preferences. For example, you can use different varieties of apples, such as Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor. You can also adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg based on your spice preference.
These bars are also highly adaptable to dietary needs. If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative, such as a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. If you prefer to make them vegan, you can substitute the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. With a few simple tweaks, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be tailored to a variety of dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.
The Benefits of Using Fresh Apples
One of the standout features of this recipe is the use of fresh apples. Not only does this give the bars a wonderful texture and flavor, but it also provides a number of health benefits. Apples are a great source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. They also contain vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Choosing the right apples is key to achieving the best flavor in this recipe. Different varieties of apples offer varying levels of sweetness, tartness, and texture. For a balanced flavor, consider using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Fuji or Gala. This blend will provide a well-rounded taste that will complement the buttery crust and salted caramel topping beautifully.
The Secret to Perfect Salted Caramel
A key element in this recipe is the salted caramel sauce. It’s what ties the bars together and adds a delicious richness. You can use store-bought salted caramel sauce for convenience, but making your own at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding. Homemade salted caramel has a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from the store-bought version, and you can adjust the level of salt to your liking.
To make salted caramel, all you need is sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Heat the sugar until it melts and turns golden brown, then add the butter and cream for a smooth, creamy texture. A pinch of salt finishes it off, giving the caramel its signature salty-sweet taste. Once your caramel is ready, it’s simply drizzled over the bars, adding an indulgent touch to every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to make them even more special, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apples and gooey caramel. You could also pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a mug of spiced cider for a truly cozy fall treat.
These bars also make an excellent addition to holiday dessert tables or gatherings. Their portability makes them easy to slice and serve, and they’re sure to impress guests with their delicious flavor and beautiful appearance. You can even wrap them individually for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Ahead of Time
If you’re hosting a party or want to get ahead on dessert prep, these bars are a great make-ahead option. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to wait until they have cooled completely before drizzling the salted caramel on top, as this will prevent the sauce from becoming too runny.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Simply cut them into individual servings, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds. The bars will taste just as delicious as when they were freshly baked.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Dessert
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the rich, sweet-and-salty goodness of caramel. They are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for a variety of occasions, from cozy fall nights to holiday parties. The combination of spiced apples, buttery crust, and salted caramel will have everyone coming back for more.
Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert to enjoy with family or a showstopper to impress your guests, these bars are the perfect choice. Plus, they can be easily customized to fit any dietary needs or flavor preferences, making them a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. So grab some apples, make your salted caramel, and enjoy these mouthwatering Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars—you won’t regret it!