Description
Salted caramel apple pie bars combine classic comfort with modern dessert innovation. Layers of buttery crust, spiced apples, and rich caramel create a delightful treat you’ll savor to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating, then position the oven rack and heat to 350F.
- Craft the foundational shortbread layer by blending melted butter with sugar, vanilla, and salt. Incorporate flour until a cohesive dough emerges, then press uniformly into the prepared pan. Bake 15-18 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue, then allow to cool completely.
- Create the apple mixture by combining thinly sliced apples with a harmonious blend of sugar, flour, aromatic spices, and a splash of lemon juice. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Construct the crumbly streusel topping by whisking flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Integrate cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles rustic, coarse crumbs.
- Layer the dessert by spreading the seasoned apple filling across the cooled shortbread base, then generously scatter the streusel topping for textural contrast.
- Return to the oven and bake 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the streusel transforms to a rich golden tone and apple filling becomes tender and bubbling.
- Develop the salted caramel sauce by carefully caramelizing sugar over medium heat, stirring consistently until reaching a deep amber color. Introduce butter, then gradually incorporate heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth consistency. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and allow slight cooling.
- Finalize the dessert by artfully drizzling the warm caramel sauce over the cooled bars, creating an enticing presentation ready for serving.
Notes
- Ensure apples are uniformly sliced for even baking and consistent texture throughout the bars.
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of caramel and provide crisp texture.
- Keep butter cold when making streusel topping to create those delightful, crumbly clusters that add amazing crunch to the bars.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and maintain clean, beautiful slice lines.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg