Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve landed in the right place! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful twist on classic apple pie and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these bars bring warmth and joy to your table without all the fuss of making an entire pie. The combination of spiced apples, a buttery oat crumble, and drizzled salted caramel is simply irresistible!

One of the best parts about these bars is how easy they are to whip up. You’ll love how quickly they come together, allowing you to spend more time enjoying them with loved ones instead of stuck in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: No need to fuss with pie crusts! The oat crumble serves as both the crust and topping.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will adore these sweet and spiced bars—perfect for kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance! They store well in the fridge and taste great either warm or cold.
• Flavorful Experience: With tender apples and luscious salted caramel, every bite is packed with delicious fall flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars call for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Apple Filling

• 5 medium apples, sliced between 1/8 and 1/4 thick (744 grams sliced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (21 grams)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed (73 grams)
• 1 tbsp cinnamon (7 grams)
• 3/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• pinch of salt

For the Crust/Topping

• 1 and 1/2 cups salted butter, melted (340 grams, or 24 tbsp)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out (390 grams)
• 2 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats (195 grams)
• 1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed (330 grams)
• 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar (210 grams)
• 6 tbsp salted butter, cubed (85 grams)
• 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream (135 grams)
• pinch of fine sea salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Here are some fun ideas to make these bars your own:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch!
• Use Different Fruits: Swap apples for pears or peaches for a unique flavor twist.
• Mix Up Spices: Experiment by adding ginger or cardamom for a different spice profile.
• Go Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy cream for the caramel.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉. This step is crucial because it ensures your bars bake evenly. While it heats up, spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Leaving overhang on the ends will help you lift out the bars easily later!

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together your sliced apples with lemon juice and all the filling ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to gently mix so those lovely apple slices stay intact! This step is important because it allows the apples to soak up all those delicious spices before baking.

Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping

Melt your butter in a large bowl, then stir in all remaining bar ingredients until well combined. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when squeezed. This oat mixture creates that perfect buttery texture we love!

Step 4: Assemble Your Bars

Set aside about 2 cups of this crust mixture for later. Press the remaining mixture into that prepared pan firmly—it’s going to be your base! Now give those apples another gentle stir before layering them evenly over the base. Remember to leave behind any excess liquid from mixing. Finally, sprinkle that reserved crust mixture on top!

Step 5: Bake Your Creation

Place your assembled bars in the preheated oven and bake for 38 to 45 minutes. You want them golden brown on top and feel free to check if those apples are tender by piercing through with a fork. While they bake, get ready for some amazing smells wafting through your kitchen!

Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While your bars are baking, make your salted caramel sauce according to my detailed recipe here! It’s an essential step that elevates these bars into something truly special.

Step 7: Serve & Store

Once baked, let your bars cool on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours before slicing into them. When you’re ready to serve, drizzle generously with that heavenly salted caramel sauce! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days—though I doubt they’ll last long!

Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips

Want to prep ahead? You can make that caramel up to three days beforehand—just refrigerate until needed. Warm it slightly in the microwave if it gets too thick! Likewise, these bars can be made up to one day ahead; just let them cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.

Enjoy every delicious bite of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars with family and friends—they’re sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be a delightful experience, especially when you follow these handy tips!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combination will give your bars a perfect balance of flavors.

• Don’t skip the lemon juice: Tossing the apple slices in lemon juice prevents browning and adds a refreshing zing that enhances the overall taste of the filling.

• Let them cool properly: Allowing the bars to cool for 1-2 hours after baking helps them set up perfectly, making slicing easier and keeping everything together beautifully.

• Make extra caramel: Always prepare more salted caramel than you think you’ll need! It’s delicious drizzled over ice cream or pancakes, making it a versatile treat to have on hand.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a bit more cinnamon or even a pinch of ginger can elevate the flavor profile of your apple filling.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any gathering. Here’s how you can serve them up!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a wonderful crunch and complements the sweetness of the caramel.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top provides a light, creamy contrast to the rich bars.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving gives an extra touch of warmth and sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side brings a creamy element that balances out the warm spices in the bars.
• Caramel sauce: Serve extra salted caramel sauce alongside for those who want an indulgent drizzle over their bars.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad made from seasonal fruits offers a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Spiced chai tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea complements the flavors perfectly while adding a cozy beverage option for your guests.

With these serving tips and pro advice, you’re all set to impress everyone with your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them in advance for gatherings, holidays, or just to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• If you choose to add the salted caramel sauce, it’s best to store it separately and drizzle it on just before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze, slice the bars and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For warm bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

Can I use different types of apples in Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, you can mix and match with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or any other apple variety you enjoy for added flavor complexity.

How do I make homemade salted caramel sauce for my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

To make homemade salted caramel sauce, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns amber. Remove from heat, add butter and heavy cream carefully, then stir in a pinch of salt. This will create a delicious topping for your bars!

Can I substitute the oats in Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?

Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or simply want to avoid oats, you can use almond flour or an equal amount of crushed nuts as an alternative.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars as much as I do! They’re not only packed with flavor but also bring that cozy fall feeling right into your kitchen. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, these bars are sure to please everyone. Happy baking!