Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

“These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect fall dessert, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, sweet spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. Drizzled with rich homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce, these apple pie bars are a delicious combination of textures and flavors. Easy to make and perfect for parties, this recipe is ideal for those craving a comforting, apple dessert with a twist. Whether served warm or chilled, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed at room temperature or cold. Make-ahead friendly and perfect for baking ahead of time, these bars will become a go-to fall treat. Try them today for a sweet, indulgent treat!”

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

Apple Filling

• 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup (43g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Finishing Touch

• Homemade salted caramel sauce or store-bought caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven
   Preheat your oven to 300°F (149°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal later. Set aside.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust
   In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the flour and mix until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling
   In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Streusel Topping
   In another bowl, whisk together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add the cold cubed butter, then use a pastry blender, two forks, or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Bars
   Increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Layer the apple slices evenly over the warm crust, pressing them down tightly to fit. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
6. Bake
   Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature. Then, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
7. Cut and Serve
   Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into 12–16 bars, depending on your preferred size. Drizzle each bar with salted caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or chilled!

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Tips

• Parchment Paper Overhang: Make sure to leave enough parchment overhang to easily lift the bars from the pan once cooled.
• Choosing Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for a balanced flavor.
• Even Slices: Slice apples thinly and evenly so they cook through properly without excess moisture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Nut Option: Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the flour in the crust, filling, and streusel with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cloves or ginger to the apple filling for additional warmth.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Simply store them covered in the refrigerator and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

3. Can I freeze apple pie bars?
Yes, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve warm with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Festive: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy fall treat.
• Savory Twist: Pair with sharp cheddar slices for a unique balance of sweet and savory.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate combination of a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly streusel topping. The rich salted caramel sauce adds a luxurious finish, making these bars a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Perfectly portioned and packed with flavor, they’re an easy yet impressive dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall!