Decadent Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Easy-to-make bars featuring all the comforting flavors of classic apple pie. A buttery cinnamon shortbread crust forms the base, layered with warm, tender spiced apples, and topped with a golden-baked oat streusel. The entire dessert is then lavishly drizzled with a rich, creamy homemade salted caramel sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tart flavors. This dessert is an ideal treat for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.

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Course: Dessert, Baking

Cuisine: American

Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Cooling Time: 30 minutes – 1 hour

Yield: 12 bars

Calories: 317 kcal

Author: Amira

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour (156g)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)

For the Apple Filling:

• 3-4 medium apples (peeled, thinly sliced, about 460g or 4 cups)
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Oat Streusel Topping:

• ½ cup rolled oats (45g)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (63g)
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar (67g)
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter (half stick, cubed)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 stick unsalted butter (113g)
• ½ cup granulated white sugar (100g)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan by spraying both the bottom and sides generously with non-stick spray. For even easier removal and clean-up, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to create “handles.” This will help you lift the bars out effortlessly once they are cooled.

Prepare the Buttery Shortbread Crust:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
• Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized butter pieces still visible. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough.
• Evenly press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. For a perfectly compact and sturdy base for your bars, use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to firmly press down the crumbs across the entire pan. Ensure the layer is even and well-packed.
• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it looks set and the edges are very lightly golden brown. This pre-baking step helps create a crisp crust that won’t become soggy from the apple filling. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling.

Prepare the Spiced Apple Filling:

• In the same large bowl (no need to wash if you’re short on time, as you just used it for the crust mixture), combine the cornstarch, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to ensure all spices and sugar are evenly distributed.
• If your apples are not yet prepped, peel them thoroughly and then slice them thinly. For the best bite-sized pieces within the bars, consider halving these thin slices lengthwise. Aim for uniform slices so they cook evenly.
• Add the sliced apples to the bowl with the sugar and spice mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the apple slices are evenly coated. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices released by the apples during baking, preventing a watery filling.
• Carefully spread the coated apple slices in an even layer over the slightly cooled, pre-baked shortbread crust. Make sure the apples are distributed from edge to edge of the pan.

Assemble the Oat Streusel Topping:

• In a small bowl (or reuse the larger bowl again if convenient), combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and light brown sugar. Stir them together.
• Add the cold, cubed butter to the oat mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a crumbly texture with small clumps. This will create a wonderfully crunchy topping.
• Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the apple layer in the baking pan.

Bake to Perfection:

• Return the baking pan to the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The bars are ready when the apple filling is fork-tender (test by gently piercing an apple slice) and the streusel topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy.
• Keep an eye on the streusel; if it starts to brown too quickly before the apples are cooked through, loosely cover the baking pan with aluminum foil, creating a tent over the top. This will prevent further browning while allowing the apples to finish cooking.
• Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the apple pie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is crucial for the bars to set properly and maintain their shape. Cooling will take approximately 30 minutes to an hour. Patience is key for perfectly formed bars!

Prepare and Serve the Salted Caramel:

• In a heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan, melt the butter and granulated sugar over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until the mixture begins to bubble and turns a beautiful golden color, which typically takes about 10 minutes. Once you reach this stage, reduce the heat to low and carefully whisk in the heavy cream. Be cautious as the mixture may bubble up. Continue to cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring continuously, until the caramel reaches a temperature of 225°–230°F (107°–110°C) on a candy thermometer.
• Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt until fully incorporated. Pour the hot caramel sauce into a heatproof bowl or jar. Allow it to cool for 15–30 minutes before using; it will thicken as it cools.
• Once the apple pie bars are completely cooled and sliced, serve them as is, or with a generous drizzle of the homemade salted caramel sauce. The combination of sweet, tart, and salty is simply divine.
• If you have refrigerated your salted caramel sauce, it will become quite firm. To loosen it up for drizzling, gently reheat the sauce in 15–20 second intervals in the microwave, stirring after each interval, until it reaches your desired consistency. Avoid overheating, as it can burn easily.

Notes for Success

**Importance of Cold Butter:** As mentioned earlier, using cold butter for both the crust and streusel is vital. It creates the perfect structure, ensuring your bars are delightfully flaky and crumbly, and preventing them from becoming dense or falling apart. Never use melted butter in these components.

**Baking Pan Size:** This recipe was developed using an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square pan with 2-inch (5 cm) high sides. If your pan is deeper or wider, you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly. A wider pan might require less baking time, while a deeper one might need more. You can always tell if the bars are perfectly baked by checking if the apples are fork-tender and the streusel topping has turned a lovely light golden brown.

**Apple Varieties:** I prefer a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance. Granny Smith apples offer a pleasant tang and hold their shape well, while Red Delicious can add a softer texture and more sweetness. However, any good baking apple will work beautifully in this recipe, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn.

Nutrition Information (per bar)

Calories: 317kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 50g
|
Protein: 3g
|
Fat: 12g
|
Saturated Fat: 7g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
|
Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
|
Trans Fat: 0.3g
|
Cholesterol: 33mg
|
Sodium: 39mg
|
Potassium: 118mg
|
Fiber: 2g
|
Sugar: 32g
|
Vitamin A: 421IU
|
Vitamin C: 2mg
|
Calcium: 34mg
|
Iron: 1mg

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Creating these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is a rewarding experience, and following these detailed steps will ensure your success. Before you begin, gather all your ingredients and tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Ingredients & Considerations:

• **Caramel Sauce:** You have the option to use a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce, but for an unparalleled depth of flavor and that truly homemade touch, I highly recommend making this homemade salted caramel sauce featured in this recipe. It truly elevates the entire dessert.
• **Flour:** All-purpose flour is the standard for both the crust and streusel. However, if you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, cassava flour can be a good substitute. Be aware that baking times and liquid absorption might vary slightly with different flours.
• **Nutmeg Alternatives:** If you don’t have nutmeg on hand or prefer a different flavor profile, there are several excellent nutmeg substitutions you can use. Consider a pinch of allspice, mace, or a touch of ground cloves for a similar warm spice note.
• **Choosing the Right Apples:** The type of apples you use significantly impacts the final flavor and texture of your bars. I love using a mix of tart and sweet varieties. Granny Smith apples are fantastic for their bright tang and ability to hold their shape during baking. Red Delicious apples, on the other hand, provide a lovely softness and a touch more sweetness. Other excellent baking apples include Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Feel free to use your favorite or a combination!

Crafting the Perfect Shortbread Crust:

Begin by preparing your crust, the foundation of these delectable bars. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly. Next, add the cold, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Using either your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry mixture. The goal is to achieve a texture that resembles coarse crumbs, with some small, pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This is crucial for creating a tender and flaky crust. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.

Once your crumb mixture is ready, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. A great trick for achieving a compact and smooth layer is to use the bottom of a flat-bottomed measuring cup. This helps to really pack the crumbs down, ensuring you have a sturdy and uniform base for your apple pie bars. This dense, buttery layer will provide the perfect contrast to the soft apple filling and crunchy streusel.

Now it’s time for the first bake! Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake the crust for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it appears set and the edges have turned a very light golden brown. This initial baking step, often called “blind baking,” helps prevent the crust from becoming soggy once the juicy apple filling is added. After baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool slightly while you prepare the delicious apple filling.

Preparing the Flavorful Apple Filling:

With the crust cooling, turn your attention to the star of the show: the apple filling. In the same large bowl you used for the crust (saving you a dish to wash!), whisk together the cornstarch, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tiny pinch of salt. This spice blend will infuse your apples with classic fall flavors. If your apples aren’t already prepared, peel them and cut them into thin, uniform slices. For bite-sized perfection in your bars, I recommend halving the slices lengthwise. Add the prepared apple slices to the bowl and toss them gently until they are thoroughly and evenly coated with the spice mixture. The cornstarch is essential here as it will thicken the apple juices, ensuring your filling isn’t watery.

Once coated, carefully arrange the spiced apple slices in an even layer over the slightly cooled shortbread crust in your baking pan. Distribute them evenly to ensure every bar has a generous portion of apples. This layer forms the heart of your apple pie bars, so take a moment to make it look beautiful!

Creating the Crispy Oat Streusel:

No apple pie bar is complete without a crumbly streusel topping! In a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and light brown sugar. Stir them together. Then, add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture forms a coarse, crumbly topping with varying sizes of clumps. This texture is what gives the streusel its signature crunch. Generously sprinkle this oat streusel evenly over the layer of apples in the baking pan, ensuring the entire surface is covered. This golden, spiced topping will bake to a beautiful crisp, adding a fantastic textural contrast to the soft apples and tender crust.

Final Bake and Cooling:

Return the pan with the assembled apple pie bars to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. The bars are done when the streusel topping is a beautiful golden brown and the apples underneath are tender when pierced with a fork. It’s important to ensure the apples are fully cooked, as this contributes to the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the filling. If you notice the streusel browning too quickly before the apples are done, simply create a loose tent with aluminum foil over the pan. This will shield the top from further browning while allowing the internal temperature to rise and cook the apples through. After baking, the most challenging part: patience! Allow the apple pie bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This critical cooling time, usually about 1 hour, allows the layers to set properly, ensuring clean and perfect slices. Resist the urge to cut them too soon, or they may crumble.

The Grand Finale: Salted Caramel Drizzle:

Just before serving, take your homemade salted caramel sauce and warm it gently if it’s too thick (see instructions in the recipe card). Then, generously drizzle it over the cooled apple pie bars. The rich, buttery, and slightly salty caramel beautifully complements the sweet and spiced apples, creating a truly irresistible dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated. Each bar is a symphony of flavors and textures—a crispy crust, soft apple filling, crunchy streusel, and a silky caramel finish. Serve them as is, or with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Apple Pie Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are so delicious, you might not have many leftovers! But if you do, proper storage will keep them fresh and tasty.

• **Storing:** Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• **Freezing:** For longer storage, individual bars can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• **Reheating:** To enjoy them warm again, place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and reheat in 15-second bursts in the microwave until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the crust soggy. You can also warm them gently in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) for about 5-10 minutes for a crispier result. If reheating frozen bars, give them a longer, gentler reheat.

Explore More Delicious Apple Desserts

If you loved these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’re in for a treat! Apples are incredibly versatile, and the fall season is the perfect time to experiment with various apple-based recipes. From classic crisps to elegant strudels, there’s an apple dessert for every occasion. Here are some more irresistible apple creations to inspire your next baking adventure: