Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Who can resist the warm, rich flavors of apple pie combined with the sweet and savory goodness of salted caramel? If you're a fan of fall desserts or just love indulgent treats, salted caramel apple pie bars are a must-try! These bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a decadent drizzle of homemade salted caramel. Keep reading for a delicious recipe that's perfect for any occasion – from cozy family gatherings to holiday feasts. Let’s dive in and learn how to create these mouthwatering salted caramel apple pie bars!

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What Are Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Salted caramel apple pie bars are a dessert that captures the essence of a traditional apple pie but in a more portable and shareable form. Imagine buttery layers of shortbread, warm cinnamon apples, and rich salted caramel sauce, all baked together to create the perfect bite-sized treat. Each bar has all the classic elements of apple pie, but the addition of salted caramel takes it to a whole new level, balancing sweetness with a touch of saltiness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and sure to impress.

Ingredients List for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Apple Filling:

• 3 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Crumb Topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

• Apples: While Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the caramel, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties like Fuji or Gala. You can also combine multiple varieties to give a complex flavor profile to the apple filling.
• Crust: If you're gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour in the shortbread crust with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also switch out the shortbread crust for a graham cracker crust if you're looking for a different texture.
• Salted Caramel: Store-bought caramel sauce can be used if you're short on time, but homemade salted caramel sauce brings the best results. If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can opt for a sugar-free caramel sauce as well.
• Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices. You can add a pinch of ground cloves, ginger, or even cardamom for an extra warming spice flavor in your apple filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.

2. Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the flour until the mixture forms a dough. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Set aside to cool while preparing the filling and topping.

3. Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.

4. Prepare the Crumb Topping

In another medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your hands until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple filling.

5. Bake the Bars

Bake the bars for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely.

6. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the bars are cooling, make the salted caramel sauce. Heat the granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns amber in color. Add the butter, stirring until fully combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, being careful as it may bubble up. Let the mixture boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.

How to Cook Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking these delectable salted caramel apple pie bars is a process that brings together three main components: the shortbread crust, the spiced apple filling, and the crumbly topping. Follow these essential steps for foolproof results:

1. Prepping the Crust: Melting the butter before combining it with sugar and flour ensures the crust is buttery and tender.
2. Filling the Bars: Make sure your apples are thinly sliced for even baking. The flour in the filling helps to thicken any excess juices released from the apples.
3. Assembling the Layers: Ensure the crumb topping is evenly spread over the apples to create a golden, crispy layer once baked.
4. Salted Caramel Drizzle: The caramel sauce should be added just before serving for the freshest taste, though you can drizzle it while the bars are still warm for an extra gooey dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking the Crust: Pre-baking the crust is crucial, but avoid letting it get too dark. You want a light golden color to prevent it from becoming too hard or crumbly.
• Using Cold Butter for the Crust: Ensure the butter is melted when making the shortbread crust. Cold butter will result in a dense and difficult-to-press dough.
• Undercooking the Apples: The apples should be soft and tender after baking. If they're still firm, they haven’t baked long enough.
• Burning the Caramel: Caramel can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Pay close attention while cooking it and stir constantly to avoid burning the sugar.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your salted caramel apple pie bars are baked to perfection, it's time to serve them in style! Presentation and serving are just as important as the baking process, so follow these tips to make your dessert shine.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These bars are best served slightly warm, but they’re also delicious at room temperature. For a more indulgent experience, serve each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle more salted caramel sauce over the top for added decadence.

Presentation Ideas for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Stacked Display: Arrange the bars on a cake stand or tiered tray for an elegant presentation at a gathering.
• Garnished with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of the caramel drizzle to enhance the sweet and salty contrast.
• Serve with Fresh Apple Slices: Add a few slices of fresh apple on the side for a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the bars.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe Tips

• Chill the Bars: If you find it difficult to cut neat squares, chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.
• Use a Hot Knife: Warm your knife under hot water, then dry it off before slicing the bars for clean, precise cuts.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the salted caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored separately.

Q: What are the best apples to use for this recipe?
A: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices due to their tartness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking.

Q: Can I freeze these salted caramel apple pie bars?
A: Yes! Once completely cooled, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q: Do I have to make homemade salted caramel?
A: While homemade caramel adds an unbeatable depth of flavor, store-bought caramel can be used for convenience. Just add a pinch of sea salt to mimic the homemade taste.

Conclusion

Salted caramel apple pie bars are a delicious fusion of buttery shortbread, spiced apples, and luscious salted caramel, making them the ultimate fall dessert. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they’re sure to become a favorite at any event or gathering. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these bars are sure to satisfy. Don't forget to try out the variations and tips mentioned above for a dessert that’s uniquely yours. So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and whip up a batch of these delightful salted caramel apple pie bars today!

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