Apple Pie Bars have all the flavor of apple pie with much less work! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful fall dessert that combines the warmth of spiced apples with a rich, buttery oat crumble. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress. The addition of salted caramel sauce elevates them to an extraordinary treat, making them the ideal choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With simple steps and minimal prep time, anyone can whip up these delicious bars.
- Flavorful Layers – The combination of spiced apples and buttery crumble creates a mouthwatering treat.
- Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled; they’re tasty no matter how you serve them.
- Perfect for Sharing – Cut into squares and share with friends or family; everyone will want a piece!
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the caramel or bars in advance for hassle-free serving.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need some essential tools. Preparing your kitchen with the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan (9×13)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Large spoon
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan (9×13) – This size is perfect for making a large batch of bars that can be easily sliced.
- Parchment paper – Lining your pan ensures easy removal and cleanup after baking.
- Mixing bowls – Having several mixing bowls allows you to prepare different components without confusion.
- Silicone spatula – Ideal for mixing without damaging your ingredients, ensuring even blending.
Ingredients
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/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
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Leave enough overhang on the ends so you can lift the bars out easily later.
Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together the sliced apples with lemon juice and all other apple filling ingredients. Stir gently with a silicone spatula to avoid breaking up the apple slices. Ensure everything is well mixed and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping
Melt the salted butter in a large bowl. Stir in all remaining ingredients for the crust until combined.
Step 4: Assemble
Reserve about two cups (approximately 330 grams) of the crust mixture for topping later. Press the rest into your prepared pan evenly. Give your apple mixture another gentle stir, then spoon it over the base layer while leaving excess liquid behind in the bowl. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crust mixture on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake your bars for about 38 to 45 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown while ensuring that apples feel tender when pierced with a fork. While baking, prepare your caramel sauce as outlined in step six. Let cool on a wire rack for about one to two hours before slicing.
Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
Follow my detailed salted caramel recipe linked here for step-by-step instructions!
Step 7: Serve & Store
When ready to serve, slice your bars into squares and drizzle with salted caramel as desired. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days; I recommend refrigerating them whether topped with caramel or not. Any extra caramel should also be stored properly in an airtight container or jar in the fridge.
Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare your caramel sauce up to three days ahead and refrigerate until needed; microwave briefly to loosen it if necessary. You can also make bars one day ahead—let them cool at room temperature before refrigerating until ready to serve; they’re delicious warm, at room temperature, or cold!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve the bars warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the salted caramel and spiced apples.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle more salted caramel sauce over each bar before serving. This adds richness and enhances the flavor.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream on top for a light and fluffy contrast to the dense bars.
Garnished with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pie bars beautifully.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Pair the bars with fresh apple slices or berries for a refreshing balance. The fruit adds brightness to each bite.
How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Use Firm Apples: Choose tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your filling.
Don’t Overmix: When preparing the crust mixture, mix until just combined to maintain a good crumbly texture.
Let Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps them set and makes cutting easier without falling apart.
Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the spice amounts according to your preference for cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be complemented by several delicious side dishes that enhance their flavors. Here are some great options:
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds a creamy element to balance the sweet and salty flavors of the bars.
Caramel Sauce Dip: Serve additional caramel sauce as a dip for an interactive dessert experience.
Spiced Hot Cider: A warm drink that echoes the flavors of fall, making it an ideal companion for your pie bars.
Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola mix can add texture and contrast when served alongside the soft pie bars.
Cheese Plate: Offer slices of sharp cheddar cheese; its saltiness complements the sweetness of the pie bars wonderfully.
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple chocolate drizzle can add a rich twist, appealing to chocolate lovers who enjoy variety in desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong apples – Not all apples are suitable for baking. Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Overmixing the apple filling – Gently mixing is key. Overmixing can break down the apple slices, leading to a mushy filling. Stir just until combined.
- Skipping the cooling time – Allowing the bars to cool before slicing is crucial. Cutting too soon can result in messy, crumbly bars that lose their shape.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science! Use weighing scales or proper measuring cups to ensure accurate measurements for consistent results.
- Ignoring caramel consistency – The salted caramel should be thick but pourable. If it’s too runny or hard, adjust your cooking time or temperature when making it.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Keep any extra salted caramel sauce in a separate airtight container.
Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and reheat bars for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat individual bars on high for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat!
- Stovetop – Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.
Can I use different fruits instead of apples?
Yes! You can substitute with pears or berries for a delightful twist on this recipe while still maintaining delicious flavors.
How do I make my salted caramel sauce thicker?
If your caramel is too runny, cook it longer over low heat until it reaches your desired thickness. Just keep stirring!
Can I prepare the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these bars up to one day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
What type of oats should I use?
Using old-fashioned rolled oats gives these bars great texture and chewiness. Avoid instant oats as they may not hold up well during baking.
Are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well in baking.
Final Thoughts
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. They capture the essence of traditional apple pie with less hassle, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy family nights. Feel free to customize with different fruits or toppings, and enjoy experimenting with flavors!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Indulge in the ultimate fall dessert with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! Bursting with the warm flavors of spiced apples, complemented by a buttery oat crumble and drizzled with rich salted caramel, these bars offer all the comforts of traditional apple pie with far less effort. Perfect for any occasion—from cozy family gatherings to festive parties—these delectable treats are sure to impress everyone. Best of all, they are easy to make, allowing you to enjoy more time savoring this delightful dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 medium apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups salted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine sliced apples, lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, and spices.
- Melt butter in a large bowl; mix in flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the prepared pan. Top with apple filling and sprinkle remaining mixture on top.
- Bake for 38 to 45 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare salted caramel sauce while baking; let cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (67g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
