Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Delicious Twist on the Classic Dessert

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If you love the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, salted caramel apple pie bars are the perfect solution. These bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, a crunchy streusel topping, and a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel. The result? A dessert that’s just as delicious as traditional apple pie, but much quicker and easier to prepare. These salted caramel apple pie bars are a great way to enjoy the cozy fall flavors of apple pie with a fun twist!

Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted caramel apple pie bars are a dream come true for those who want the classic apple pie experience without the hassle. These bars are not only incredibly easy to make but also pack all the flavors you love in apple pie – the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the richness of salted caramel. The shortbread crust adds a delightful buttery texture that complements the juicy apple filling and crunchy streusel topping. Plus, with the salted caramel drizzle, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick rundown of the key ingredients in these irresistible salted caramel apple pie bars:

Unsalted Butter: Used in both the crust and streusel, butter provides the richness and flakiness to the shortbread crust and the crunchy streusel topping.

Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the crust and the streusel, helping to balance the tartness of the apples.
Vanilla Extract: It adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor of the crust.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for both the crust and streusel, flour ensures structure and texture.

Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the perfect filling. Recommended varieties include Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices give the apple filling that quintessential apple pie flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar in the streusel adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.

Oats: The addition of oats in the streusel provides a nice, hearty texture.
Salted Caramel: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce ties everything together with a rich, sweet-salty finish.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to customize the recipe or accommodate specific dietary preferences, here are some helpful ingredient swaps:

Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these apple pie bars gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free butter alternative and substitute the salted caramel sauce with a dairy-free version for a vegan-friendly option.
Sweeteners: For a lower sugar option, you can replace the granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the flour until fully combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake at 300°F (149°C) for 15 minutes.
Make the Apple Filling: Peel and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. In a large bowl, toss the apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Set aside.
Prepare the Streusel: In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Set aside.

Assemble the Bars: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Layer the apple filling evenly over the warm crust. Press the apples down to fit tightly, then sprinkle the streusel mixture over the apples.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature.
Chill: After the bars cool, place them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up.

Serve: Once chilled, cut into bars and drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Perfect Texture: Be sure to press the apple slices tightly together in the pan to ensure the filling doesn’t shrink while baking. This will also help maintain a dense and flavorful filling.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer your bars a bit sweeter, feel free to add a little more sugar to the streusel or apple filling.

Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These salted caramel apple pie bars are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. For a fun variation, try adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the streusel topping for an added crunch. You can also serve these bars with a drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Why These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Are Perfect for Fall

There’s something about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and caramel that screams fall. These salted caramel apple pie bars are the perfect treat for cooler weather and make a great addition to your fall dessert spread. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving gathering, a cozy family dinner, or just craving something sweet, these bars will be a crowd-pleaser every time. With their rich flavors and easy preparation, they capture the essence of fall in every bite.

These salted caramel apple pie bars are not only a convenient twist on the classic apple pie, but also a versatile and mouthwatering dessert that can be enjoyed all year long. Enjoy them warm, at room temperature, or chilled – there’s no wrong way to savor these irresistible bars!

Conclusion

Salted caramel apple pie bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the flavors of apple pie but craves an easier, more convenient version. With a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, streusel topping, and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel, these bars offer all the comforting flavors of a traditional pie without the hassle. Whether you’re preparing them for a fall gathering, a family dessert night, or just a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress. The balance of sweetness, tartness, and salty caramel will leave you coming back for more. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – serve them warm, chilled, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience. Once you try these salted caramel apple pie bars, they’ll quickly become a dessert you make again and again.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought caramel for these apple pie bars?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re looking for a quicker option. However, homemade salted caramel adds a richer, more complex flavor to these bars that really takes them to the next level. If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel is still a delicious choice!

How do I store leftover salted caramel apple pie bars?

Store any leftover salted caramel apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

Can I make salted caramel apple pie bars gluten-free?

Yes! To make these bars gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the other ingredients, like the caramel sauce, are also gluten-free if necessary.

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