Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

If you adore everything autumn and crave a treat that wraps up the best flavors of the season, this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe is exactly what your sweet tooth has been waiting for. These bars bring together tender, cinnamon-spiced apple slices nestled under a glorious oat and brown sugar crust, all finished with a luscious drizzle of homemade salted caramel. Each bite offers a perfect balance of buttery, chewy crust, tart-sweet apples, and that irresistible touch of sea salt bringing out the caramel’s richness. It’s like your favorite apple pie but transformed into handy, shareable bars—ideal for everything from cozy family nights to potluck showstoppers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe comes to life with straightforward ingredients, each thoughtfully contributing to the complex harmony of taste and texture. From the crisp apples to the dreamy salted butter and the hearty oats, every element plays a starring role.

• Apples (5 medium): Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for perfect texture and balance of tartness.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning, adding a subtle zing.
• All-purpose flour (3 tbsp + 3 cups): Provides structure to both the filling and the crust, ensuring bars hold together beautifully.
• Light brown sugar (1/3 cup + 1 1/2 cups): Adds caramel-like sweetness with a hint of molasses depth.
• Cinnamon (1 tbsp + 1 tsp): The warming spice that defines the classic apple pie flavor.
• Nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves: A pinch of these makes the spice blend wonderfully fragrant and cozy.
• Salt (pinch + 1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Salted butter (1 1/2 cups melted + 6 tbsp cubed): Brings richness and moisture, crucial for that tender, crumbly crust and silky caramel sauce.
• Old-fashioned whole rolled oats (2 cups): Give the crust a pleasing chew and a wholesome texture.
• Baking soda (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the crust rise and become delightfully light without being cakey.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Vital for the salted caramel sauce’s perfect sweetness and texture.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp): Adds creaminess to the caramel, making it silky and luscious.
• Fine sea salt (pinch): The finishing touch to the caramel that elevates and balances every flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉, so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with nonstick spray. The parchment overhang is your secret weapon for removing the bars easily later, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

In a bowl, gently toss your sliced apples with lemon juice, flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and a pinch of salt. Mixing carefully with a silicone spatula keeps those apple slices intact and evenly coated in the heavenly spiced mixture, setting the stage for juicy but structurally sound filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Crust and Topping Mixture

Melt the salted butter in a large bowl, then stir in the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This mixture forms both the base and crumbly topping, with a wonderful buttery flavor and rustic texture that contrasts beautifully against the tender apples.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Reserve about two cups of your crust mixture for the top layer. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the prepared pan for the crust. Give your apple filling one last stir to redistribute juices, then spoon it evenly over the crust, leaving extra liquid behind in the bowl so you don’t get soggy bars. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crust mixture all over the apples to create that signature crumbly top.

Step 5: Bake Your Bars

Bake for 38 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven. You’ll know they’re done when the topping turns golden brown and the apples feel tender if you gently pierce through the crumb with a fork. Let the bars cool for 1 to 2 hours on a wire rack so they can set up nicely before slicing.

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the bars are baking, whip up your salted caramel sauce using the classic method—melting sugar until golden then whisking in butter, cream, and sea salt. This silky, buttery drizzle is what takes these bars from fantastic to unforgettable. Feel free to check out a trusted salted caramel recipe for an in-depth walkthrough.

Step 7: Serve and Store

Once cooled, slice your bars and drizzle with the salted caramel sauce. These bars can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Keep any extra caramel sauce in its own container and chill it as well; it’s wonderful to have on hand for other treats!

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

You can make the caramel up to three days ahead and warm it briefly in the microwave before serving. Similarly, the bars themselves can be baked a day prior to serving—simply refrigerate them once cooled. Whether you enjoy them warm, room temperature, or chilled, they maintain all their delicious qualities.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a bit of extra sparkle, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle right before serving. It not only enhances the flavor but adds a delicate crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars brings out the dessert’s cozy vibes perfectly.

Side Dishes

These bars are a dessert star on their own but also pair wonderfully with warm spiced tea, a creamy latte, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For a light finish after a hearty meal, consider a simple green salad with a crisp apple cider vinaigrette to echo the apple notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares for a party platter, arranged on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra caramel and whipped cream for dipping. Or stack bars alongside cinnamon sticks and apple slices for an autumnal dessert display that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Refrigeration helps maintain the caramel’s texture and the bars’ moist crumb without losing any of their wonderful flavors. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, these bars freeze well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can remain frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To enjoy the bars warm, reheat them in a low oven (around 300℉) for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave for about 20 seconds, but the oven method keeps the crust crispier. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream after warming for maximum joy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work best for balance, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala can be used if you prefer a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may soften more during baking.

Is it necessary to make homemade salted caramel for these bars?

Homemade salted caramel truly elevates this recipe, but if you’re short on time, store-bought salted caramel sauce can work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a high-quality one with real butter and sea salt for the best flavor.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that is a cup-for-cup replacement. Also, verify that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

How thick should I slice the apples?

The recipe calls for apple slices between one-eighth and one-quarter inch thick. This thickness allows the apples to cook through without turning mushy and helps them maintain texture within the bars.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and slice the bars after they have fully cooled and set. For the cleanest cuts, warm the knife slightly under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice with gentle, steady pressure. This prevents crumbling and sticking.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe are the kind of treat you’ll find yourself reaching for time and again, whether it’s a chilly afternoon snack or the centerpiece of a gathering. The blend of tender spiced apples, crumbly oat crust, and rich salted caramel is pure magic and guaranteed to bring smiles to your kitchen. Go ahead and make a batch—you won’t regret sharing this warm, cozy slice of dessert heaven.

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