Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars – Stunning Layered Dessert
Salted caramel apple pie bars bring together the beloved flavors of classic apple pie with the decadence of salted caramel. This stunning layered dessert not only looks impressive but also delights your taste buds in every bite. With a perfectly spiced apple filling, a buttery crust, and a crumble topping that adds texture, these bars will be a showstopper at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
These salted caramel apple pie bars combine sweetness and a hint of salt for an unforgettable taste. They are perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any day you crave something sweet. The layers of buttery crust, flavorful apple filling, and rich caramel come together to create a delicious dessert that’s easy to cut into bars. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds, making these bars a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (1/4 inch thick)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (43g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture. Stir until combined, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated.
In another bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Layer the apple filling over the warmed crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to set completely before cutting them into bars.
Drizzle with salted caramel sauce just before serving for a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
These salted caramel apple pie bars are fantastic on their own or served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. To impress your guests, serve them on a beautiful platter, drizzled with extra salted caramel sauce. You can also pair these bars with a warm beverage, such as hot apple cider or coffee, to enhance the experience.
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Store any leftover salted caramel apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Simply cut them into squares, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. To enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and heat in the oven if desired.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Perfect
- Select the Right Apples: For a delicious filling, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. They provide the right balance of flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the bars after baking allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut.
- Make Your Own Caramel: If you have time, homemade salted caramel sauce adds a personal touch. It’s simple to make and tastes incredible compared to store-bought.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to customize your salted caramel apple pie bars. Swap out the apples for other fruits like pears or peaches for a different flavor profile. You can also experiment with spices; add ground ginger or a pinch of cloves for an extra zing. For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter is at the right temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Even Slicing: When cutting the bars, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, clean edges.
- Serving Temperature: Serving these bars slightly warmed enhances the flavor and the caramel sauce’s richness.
FAQs About Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener?
A: Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or maple syrup, although these may slightly change the flavor and texture. Make sure to adjust quantities accordingly.
Q: How do I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?
A: Using properly dried apples and baking the crust initially helps prevent sogginess. Also, allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting will maintain their texture.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Definitely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Just ensure that other ingredients, like oats and caramel sauce, are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Salted caramel apple pie bars are an incredible dessert that will dazzle at any event. With layers of buttery crust, tender apples, and a crunchy topping drizzled with rich caramel sauce, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Follow the simple steps to create this stunning dessert, and prepare to impress your family and friends. Enjoy these treats any time of the year, as they are sure to please every palate.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
Apple Filling
- 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (1/4 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For Serving
- 1 jar Homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce Drizzle over bars before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture. Stir until combined, then press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated.
Streusel Topping
- In another bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Baking
- Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Layer the apple filling over the warmed crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to set completely before cutting them into bars.
- Drizzle with salted caramel sauce just before serving for a beautiful finish.