Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the cozy essence of fall without all the fuss of a traditional pie, then these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are just what you need! They bring together the warm spices and sweet-tart flavors of fresh apples with the irresistible richness of salted caramel, all nestled in a buttery oat crumble. Trust me when I say, these bars are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion—be it a busy weeknight treat or a delightful addition to your next family gathering.

What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy them warm out of the oven, at room temperature during a cozy coffee break, or even chilled from the fridge as a refreshing dessert after dinner. Plus, they’re sure to impress anyone who gets to take a bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: With just one pan needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your delicious creation!
• Family-friendly appeal: These bars are perfect for kids and adults alike—a sweet treat that everyone will love.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the caramel in advance and bake the bars a day ahead, making entertaining so much easier.
• Delicious flavors: The combination of spiced apples and rich salted caramel creates a dessert that’s truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! The good news is that these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars use simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Apple Filling

• 5 medium apples, sliced between 1/8 and 1/4 thick (744 grams sliced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (21 grams)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon (7 grams)
• 3/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• pinch of salt

For the Crust and Topping

• 1 and 1/2 cups salted butter, melted (340 grams, or 24 tbsp)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (390 grams)
• 2 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats (195 grams)
• 1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed (330 grams)
• 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
• pinch of fine sea salt

Variations

One of the best parts about these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch in both the filling and topping.
• Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice combinations like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist on flavor.
• Use different fruits: Swap out some apples for pears or berries to create a mixed fruit bar that’s just as delightful.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these bars suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350℉. Get your trusty 9×13 pan ready by spraying it with nonstick spray. Line it with parchment paper, allowing enough overhang on the ends. This little trick will help you lift out those beautiful bars effortlessly later!

Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together those lovely apple slices with lemon juice and all your apple filling ingredients. Be gentle as you mix—this helps keep those apple slices intact while ensuring they soak up all that delicious flavor. Once well combined, set this aside while we get started on our crust.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt your salted butter in a large bowl. Then stir in all remaining bar ingredients until everything is just combined. This mixture will serve as both your crust and topping—how convenient is that?

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Now it’s time to put it all together! Reserve about two cups of that crust mixture for topping later. Press the rest firmly into your prepared pan as an even base. Give those apples another good stir before spooning them over your crust base evenly, leaving behind any excess liquid. Finish by sprinkling that reserved crust mixture on top.

Step 5: Bake

Pop those bars into your preheated oven and bake for about 38 to 45 minutes. When they’re done, you’ll see a golden topping with tender apples peeking through. While they’re baking, let’s make our salted caramel sauce!

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Follow my detailed salted caramel recipe here to make a luscious sauce! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll love every step of this process.

Step 7: Serve & Store

Once those bars have cooled on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours, slice them into squares or rectangles as desired. Drizzle generously with your homemade salted caramel before serving! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll last for about 3-4 days.

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

Want to save time? You can make that delicious caramel sauce up to three days ahead! Just pop it into the fridge until you’re ready to use it again—microwave for about 20-40 seconds if you need to loosen it up. The bars themselves can be made up to one day ahead; just allow them to cool completely before refrigerating.

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars—they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Creating these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use a mix of apple varieties: Combining sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp will give your filling depth and balance, making each bite even more delightful.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: This not only prevents the apples from browning but also adds a touch of acidity that enhances the overall flavor of the pie bars.
• Ensure even baking: Rotate your pan halfway through baking to promote even browning. This small step can make a big difference in achieving that perfect golden top.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool for 1-2 hours before slicing helps them set up properly, ensuring clean cuts and preventing them from falling apart.
• Adjust caramel sauce to taste: Feel free to drizzle as little or as much salted caramel as you like. It allows you to customize the sweetness according to your preference!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These bars are not only scrumptious but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and enhances the visual appeal without overwhelming the flavors.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.
• Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side creates a wonderful contrast in temperature and texture, making every bite irresistible.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing offers a creamy complement to the warm, spiced apple bars, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, this light and fluffy topping adds richness without overpowering the flavors of the pie bars.
• Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve extra salted caramel sauce on the side for those who love an indulgent drizzle with each bite.
• Spiced Tea or Coffee: A warm beverage with cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the cozy fall vibe and pairs perfectly with these sweet treats.

Enjoy indulging in these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars at gatherings or simply as an afternoon treat. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance, whether for a gathering or just to have a tasty treat on hand throughout the week. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

Storing Leftovers

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you’ve topped them with salted caramel, it’s best to store them together to maintain moisture but be cautious of excess stickiness.

Freezing

• Allow the bars to cool completely before freezing.
• Cut into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For warm bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars on a baking sheet.
• Warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave each bar on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have while preparing these delicious bars.

Can I use different apples for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, feel free to mix varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for added sweetness and flavor complexity.

How do I make the salted caramel sauce for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

You can follow my detailed salted caramel recipe included in this post. It’s simple and adds that perfect touch of sweetness and saltiness that complements the apple filling beautifully!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars without gluten?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars as much as I do! They capture all the warmth and flavors of fall while being easy enough to whip up any time of year. Enjoy sharing these sweet treats with friends and family, or savor them all by yourself—you deserve it! Happy baking!