Heavenly Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe for Fall Bliss

Crafting a delightful salted caramel apple pie bars recipe promises pure dessert magic for anyone seeking comfort and indulgence.

Sweet apples nestled between buttery layers create an irresistible treat that hints at childhood memories.

Crisp autumn afternoons call for warm, gooey desserts that spark joy and conversation.

Layers of caramel drizzle and tender fruit meld into a sensational experience that delights the senses.

Baking these bars connects you with a timeless tradition of homemade goodness.

Subtle salt notes perfectly complement the rich, sweet caramel, elevating each bite to a moment of pure bliss.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this incredible dessert.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars That Impress

• Capture Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a dessert that wraps you in warm, cozy autumn vibes with perfectly spiced apples and rich caramel.
• Simplify Baking Mastery: Navigate this recipe with ease, even if you're not a seasoned baker, thanks to straightforward steps and minimal specialized techniques.
• Create Shareable Delight: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers where everyone can enjoy a delicious sweet treat that serves multiple people.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for different skill levels and occasions, from weekend baking projects to impressive dessert contributions that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients Needed for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure for the pie bar base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the crust's texture and browning.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky texture and adds a creamy flavor to the crust.

• Apples: The star ingredient that provides a fresh and sweet fruity base for the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and helps create a syrupy consistency.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and complexity to the apple filling.

• Caramel Sauce: A rich, sweet drizzle that adds decadence and moisture to the bars.
• Sea Salt: Provides a contrasting salty note that enhances the sweet caramel and apple flavors.

How to Bake Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.

Step 2: Craft the Buttery Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Unsalted butter

Mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan.

Slide the pan into the oven and bake until the edges turn a light golden brown, about 15-18 minutes.

Step 3: Transform Apples into Delicious Filling

• Crisp apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Granulated sugar

Slice apples thinly and toss them in the spices and sugar.

Cook the mixture in a skillet over medium heat until the apples soften and become slightly caramelized, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Layer the Apple Goodness

Spread the warm apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, making sure to cover every inch.

Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel Magic

Pour rich caramel sauce over the apple layer, creating beautiful swirls. Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt across the top for a flavor explosion.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the caramel starts to bubble, about 25-30 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire creation out, then slice into perfect squares. Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Pro Tips for a Perfect Pie Bar Texture

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and texture in your bars.
• Ensure butter is cold when making the crust to create a flaky, crisp base that doesn't become soggy.
• Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling to prevent it from becoming too runny and maintain a beautiful thick consistency.
• Sprinkle sea salt just before serving to keep its crunchy texture and enhance the caramel's rich flavor.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delicious taste and texture.

Variations for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Oasis: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Harvest: Swap butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of caramel sauce to create a plant-based alternative.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra texture and rich, toasted flavor.
• Low-Sugar Solution: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce sugar content while maintaining delicious apple pie essence.

Serving Ideas to Make Pie Bars Shine

• Weekend Potluck Star: Slice these bars into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at community gatherings or family reunions. Guests will love the portable dessert that combines classic apple pie comfort with trendy salted caramel.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of Earl Grey or chai tea. The sweet-salty balance pairs perfectly with a light, creamy beverage for an elegant afternoon treat.
• Dessert Platter Centerpiece: Create a beautiful dessert display by arranging the bars with fresh apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrasting colors and textures will make the presentation irresistible.
• Holiday Gifting Option: Package individual bars in clear cellophane with a rustic twine bow for a homemade gift. These treats make wonderful edible presents during fall and winter celebrations.

Storage Tips for Pie Bars to Stay Fresh

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring the bars are completely cooled before storing.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze the bars for longer storage by placing them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for best results. Each variety adds a unique flavor and texture to the bars.

• How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Blind bake the crust before adding apple filling and pre-cook the apple mixture to remove excess moisture. This helps maintain a crisp bottom layer.

• Is homemade caramel sauce necessary?

While homemade caramel is delicious, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly fine. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to create a suitable alternative.

Gooey Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Salted caramel apple pie bars bring classic American dessert flavors into a convenient handheld treat. Buttery shortbread crusts cradle spiced apple filling and rich caramel, offering you a perfect balance of sweet and salty in each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 6 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup unsalted butter

Base and Sweetener Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1 tablespoon sea salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. Create a buttery shortbread crust by mixing flour, sugar, and salt, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden.
3. While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling by peeling and slicing apples into uniform thin wedges. Toss with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar to ensure even coating and maximum flavor infusion.
4. Sauté the seasoned apple slices in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing them to soften and caramelize slightly without becoming mushy.
5. Spread the warm apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
6. Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce generously across the apple layer, creating beautiful golden swirls.
7. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel to enhance the sweet-savory flavor profile.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the caramel becomes bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set properly.
10. Use parchment paper handles to lift the dessert out, then slice into neat rectangular bars for serving.

Notes

• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your bars.
• Ensure butter is cold when making the crust to achieve a flaky, tender base that crumbles perfectly.
• Toast the nuts lightly before adding to the crust for an extra layer of nutty depth and enhanced aroma.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with almond or oat flour, maintaining the same measurements in the recipe.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg