SALTY CARAMEL APPLE PIE BARS

I can almost smell the crisp autumn air just thinking about it! Every year, around late September, my grandma would bake the most incredible apple pie. The aroma would fill her entire house, and it was pure magic. I’ve taken that feeling and transformed it into something even more irresistible: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars you’ll ever make! These bars are a showstopper!

Why You’ll Fall Head-Over-Heels for These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Okay, let’s be real. Apple pie is amazing. Salted caramel is divine. But put them together in bar form? It’s a taste explosion! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are:

• Easy to Make: Seriously! No need to be intimidated by pie crust. This recipe uses a simple press-in crust that anyone can master.
• Perfectly Portable: Pies are great, but bars are better for sharing, picnics, potlucks, and lunchboxes.
• Salty-Sweet Perfection: The combination of tart apples, sweet caramel, and a hint of salt is simply irresistible.
• Crowd-Pleasing: I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love these bars. They’re always the first to disappear!
• Customizable: Want to add nuts? A different spice? Go for it! I’ll give you some ideas later on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the ingredient list scare you. Most of these are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our crust. Make sure you measure it correctly!
• Granulated Sugar: For a touch of sweetness in the crust.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Cold butter is key to a flaky crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together.

For the Apple Filling:

• Apples: I recommend a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth of flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling.
• Cinnamon: The quintessential apple pie spice!
• Nutmeg: A warm, nutty spice that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness.

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• Granulated Sugar: The foundation of our caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the caramel rich and decadent.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and smoothness.
• Sea Salt: For that perfect salty-sweet contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Bake!

Okay, are you ready? Let’s get started! I promise, it’s easier than you think.

Making the Crust

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the ingredients.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about pea-sized. This is *crucial* for a flaky crust.
3. Add the ice water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust.
4. Press into the pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to get a nice, even layer.
5. Pre-bake the crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.

Preparing the Apple Filling

1. Peel and slice the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into about ¼-inch thick slices. I like to use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor and texture.
2. Combine filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.

Making the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly, until it is completely melted and amber in color. Be patient! This can take a few minutes, and you don’t want to burn the sugar.
2. Add the butter: Carefully add the butter to the melted sugar. It will bubble and sputter, so be cautious! Stir until the butter is melted and smooth.
3. Pour in the cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up again. Continue to stir until the caramel is smooth and glossy.
4. Add the salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sea salt.

Assembling the Bars

1. Pour the apple filling: Pour the apple filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Drizzle with caramel: Drizzle about half of the salted caramel sauce over the apple filling. Reserve the remaining caramel for serving.
3. Bake the bars: Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
4. Cool completely: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important! If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be a mess.
5. Drizzle with more caramel (optional): Before serving, drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the bars. You can also sprinkle with extra sea salt for added flavor and presentation.

Success Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Want to make sure your bars turn out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips:

• Use cold butter and ice water for the crust: This is essential for a flaky crust. The cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, which results in a light and airy texture.
• Don’t overmix the crust dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
• Pre-bake the crust: This helps prevent a soggy bottom. No one wants a soggy bottom!
• Use a mix of apple varieties: This adds complexity and depth of flavor to the filling. I like to use a combination of tart and sweet apples.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting: This allows the filling to set, making the bars easier to cut and serve.

Variations and Customization

Want to put your own spin on these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars? Here are a few ideas:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be delicious in the crust or sprinkled on top of the filling.
• Use different spices: Try adding a pinch of ginger, cardamom, or cloves to the apple filling for a different flavor profile.
• Add oats to the crust: For a more rustic and hearty crust, add some rolled oats to the flour mixture.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
• Add a streusel topping: Instead of drizzling with caramel, top the bars with a buttery streusel topping.

Serving and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are best served at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

More Apple-licious Recipes to Try!

If you’re an apple lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious apple recipes:

• For a fun and festive appetizer, try this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip. It’s always a hit!
• If you’re craving something a little more sophisticated, these Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes are the perfect choice. They combine the flavors of apple crisp and cheesecake in one delicious bite.
• For a cozy and comforting breakfast treat, try these Baked Apple Cider Donuts. They’re perfect for a crisp autumn morning.
• Craving just a simple bar? Then try these Caramel Apple Bars. They are easy to make and are a great snack!
• Looking for an individual treat, check out these Apple Pie Cookies! It’s a cookie and a pie all in one!

Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

Yields: 16 bars

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
4. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Toss gently to coat.
5. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly, until it is completely melted and amber in color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the caramel is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.
6. Assemble the bars: Pour the apple filling over the pre-baked crust. Drizzle about half of the salted caramel sauce over the apple filling.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
9. Drizzle with the remaining salted caramel sauce before serving.

Enjoy!

Conclusion

There you have it! My ultimate recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. I know you’ll absolutely love them. They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, from a cozy family gathering to a holiday party. So, get baking and enjoy the deliciousness! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Amelia

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine the comforting flavors of apple pie with the sweet and salty indulgence of caramel. Featuring a simple press-in crust, a delicious apple filling, and a homemade salted caramel sauce, these bars are perfect for sharing and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large bowl
• Medium bowl
• Pastry blender or fingertips
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Peeler
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup 1 stick
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water
• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples about 6 medium apples
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
• Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
• Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Toss gently to coat.
• Make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly, until it is completely melted and amber in color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly until the caramel is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.
• Assemble the bars: Pour the apple filling over the pre-baked crust. Drizzle about half of the salted caramel sauce over the apple filling.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
• Drizzle with the remaining salted caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

For a flakier crust, ensure the butter is very cold and avoid overmixing the dough. A mix of apple varieties, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala, adds complexity to the filling. Cool the bars completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a nutty flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust or sprinkle on top of the apple filling before baking.