Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars – Easy & Irresistible Recipe

Salted caramel apple pie bars are a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie, offering all the warm, comforting flavors we love in a pie, but in an easy-to-make bar format. With a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, a golden streusel topping, and a rich salted caramel drizzle, these bars will quickly become a fall favorite. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, they’re sure to satisfy your apple pie cravings without the hassle of preparing a full pie.

Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted caramel apple pie bars combine the best elements of an apple pie but in a fraction of the time. The buttery shortbread crust serves as the ideal base, while the spiced apple filling brings a warm, fruity layer that is both sweet and tart. The streusel topping is the perfect addition for a crunchy texture, and the salted caramel drizzle takes these bars to another level, adding a delightful touch of sweetness and saltiness that balances everything beautifully. These bars are quick to prepare, making them an easy alternative to traditional pies, and they are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients

• Shortbread Crust: The foundation of these bars, offering a buttery, crisp texture that complements the apple filling.
• Apples: Freshly sliced apples create the perfect filling, providing both sweetness and tartness. We recommend a mix of sweet (like Honeycrisp) and tart apples (such as Granny Smith) for depth of flavor.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Essential spices for the apple filling, giving these bars that classic apple pie taste.
• Streusel Topping: A combination of oats, brown sugar, and butter creates a delicious, crumbly topping that adds a satisfying crunch.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: The finishing touch that transforms these bars into something extraordinary with its creamy sweetness and a pinch of salt. Homemade or store-bought salted caramel works wonderfully.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

For those with dietary preferences or ingredient shortages, here are some swaps to consider:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative to make the crust gluten-free.
• Vegan Butter: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version of the shortbread crust.
• Coconut Sugar: Replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetener.
• Caramelized Coconut: For a unique twist, add caramelized coconut flakes in place of some of the streusel to introduce a tropical flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, mix together melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Add flour and stir until fully combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking pan.
2. Bake the crust: Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C) and bake the shortbread crust for 15 minutes.
3. Make the apple filling: Combine sliced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
4. Prepare the streusel topping: Mix oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a medium bowl. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Assemble the bars: Once the crust has baked, layer the apple filling on top. Press the apples down to fit snugly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples.
6. Bake the bars: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
7. Cool and chill: Let the bars cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to fully set.
8. Add the salted caramel: Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and drizzle with homemade or store-bought salted caramel.

Tips & Tricks

• Ensure the right texture for the streusel: For a perfect streusel topping, make sure the butter is cold when mixing. This helps form the crumbly texture that’s ideal for topping these bars.
• Check apple doneness: The apples should be tender but not mushy. You can gently press on the filling to check for softness before removing the bars from the oven.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Serve these salted caramel apple pie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience. For a festive touch, pair them with a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or a pumpkin latte. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a sprinkle of toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for an extra crunch. These bars are also great with a drizzle of additional caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for those who love an extra salty kick.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

These salted caramel apple pie bars are perfect for preparing ahead of time. They store well in the fridge for a few days, and you can easily freeze them for longer storage. Simply cut the bars into squares, place them in an airtight container, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight and drizzle with caramel before enjoying.

Conclusion

Salted caramel apple pie bars offer a unique, delicious twist on the classic apple pie, combining layers of buttery shortbread, warm spiced apples, and a rich streusel topping, all crowned with a decadent salted caramel drizzle. These bars are an ideal choice for those who love the flavors of fall but prefer an easy-to-make, fuss-free dessert. Whether for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars will never disappoint. Plus, with their make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature, you can enjoy them anytime.

FAQs about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

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