Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that brings the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, offering all the warm spices and sweet goodness without the fuss of a classic pie crust. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, and trust me, they will make your home smell absolutely divine as they bake!

What I love most about these bars is how easy they are to prepare. You can whip them up in no time and impress your friends and family with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, the combination of spiced apples with a rich salted caramel drizzle will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With minimal prep time, these bars are perfect for any baking novice or seasoned pro.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and spicy flavors packed into every bite.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare these bars in advance and refrigerate them for quick desserts when you need them.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy them warm, at room temperature, or chilled straight from the fridge!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, holiday gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, these bars fit right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients should be part of the fun! For these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s 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/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 things about these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is how flexible they are! Feel free to play around with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an added crunch.
• Change Up the Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for extra depth.
• Spice it Up: Add some ginger or cardamom to give your apple filling a unique twist.
• Switch the Toppings: Try drizzling chocolate instead of caramel for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350℉. While that warms up, grab a 9×13 pan. Spray it with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Leave enough overhang on the ends so you can easily lift the bars out later—this little trick makes slicing so much easier!

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss your sliced apples with all the apple filling ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to stir gently; we want those lovely apple slices intact. Once mixed well, set this aside while we work on our crust.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt your butter in a large bowl—this is where all that delicious flavor comes from! Stir in the remaining ingredients until everything is combined into a crumbly mixture. This will serve as both our crust on the bottom and topping on top.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Reserve about 2 cups of this mixture for later use on top. Press the rest evenly into your prepared pan to form a solid base. Give those apples another gentle stir before spooning them over this base layer—make sure to leave any excess liquid behind. Finally, sprinkle that reserved crust mixture over everything like confetti!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop those bars into your preheated oven! Bake for about 38 to 45 minutes until golden brown on top and tender when poked with a fork through the topping into the apple layer below. While those bake away, let’s get started on our salted caramel sauce.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

Use my detailed recipe here to create your salted caramel sauce! It’s super easy once you get going; just remember to keep an eye on it as it cooks.

Step 7: Serve & Store

When you’re ready to serve these beauties, slice them up into squares and drizzle generously with that luscious salted caramel sauce. If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Trust me—they’re just as delicious cold!

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prep ahead? You can make that caramel up to three days early! Just store it in an airtight container in your fridge until it’s time to drizzle over those bars. The bars themselves can be made up to one day ahead; refrigerate after cooling at room temperature!

Enjoy every single bite of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! They truly capture that fall spirit while being incredibly easy to make. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.

• Use a variety of apples – Mixing different apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji adds depth to the flavor of your filling. Each type contributes its own unique sweetness and tartness.

• Don’t skip the chilling – Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing helps them firm up, making it easier to cut clean edges. This will also help prevent any messy pieces when serving!

• Adjust sweetness to taste – Feel free to modify the amount of sugar used in the apple filling based on your preference or the sweetness of your apples. Taste as you go to get it just right!

• Layer the caramel sauce generously – Drizzle extra salted caramel over each slice just before serving for an indulgent touch that enhances both flavor and presentation.

• Store properly – Keeping your bars in an airtight container in the fridge keeps them fresh and delicious for several days. This way, you can enjoy them longer!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Serving these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is part of the fun! Here are some creative ideas to present this delicious dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of fluffy whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the rich flavors of the bars.
• Chopped nuts – Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that beautifully contrasts with the softness of the pie bars.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – A classic pairing! The creamy vanilla ice cream melts slightly over warm bars, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fruit salad – A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the rich caramel and spices. Choose seasonal fruits for an extra pop!
• Hot tea or coffee – Serving these bars alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee enhances their comforting qualities, making them perfect for cozy gatherings.
• Caramel dip with fruit slices – Create a fun dipping station with apple slices or pears paired with extra salted caramel sauce for an interactive dessert experience.

With these serving tips, your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will be an unforgettable treat at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep and gatherings! You can make them ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time on the day of your event.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover bars in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you have leftover salted caramel sauce, store it in a separate airtight jar in the fridge.

Freezing

• Once cooled, slice the bars into individual servings.
• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Before serving, thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat bars in a microwave-safe dish.
• Microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, warm them in an oven preheated to 350℉ for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind while making these delicious bars!

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

Absolutely! While a mix of sweet and tart apples is ideal, feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples all work wonderfully!

How do I ensure my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are not too soggy?

To prevent sogginess, make sure to toss the apple slices with flour and allow any excess liquid to drain before layering. This will help keep the crust nice and firm.

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars without oats?

Yes! If you prefer a traditional crust texture, you can replace the oats with more all-purpose flour. Just adjust the butter slightly if needed for consistency.

What can I serve alongside Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

These bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!

How can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The result will be equally delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars as much as I do! They are a cozy dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering or quiet night at home. Enjoy every sweet bite and feel free to share your creations—I would love to hear how they turned out for you!