Apple Pie Bars have all the flavor of apple pie with much less work! These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. With a delightful brown sugar oat crumble that serves as both crust and topping, and a generous layer of spiced apples in between, these bars are a standout dessert. Bake them until golden brown and tender, then finish with a drizzle of salted caramel for an irresistible fall treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No need for a pie crust! The oat crumble simplifies the process.
- Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the classic taste of apple pie combined with rich salted caramel.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge.
- Great for Sharing: Makes 15 to 24 bars, ideal for parties or potlucks.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the caramel or bars in advance for convenience.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking pan: The perfect size for even baking and easy slicing.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup—just lift out the bars!
- Silicone spatula: Great for folding ingredients without damaging delicate apple slices.
Ingredients
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
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the ends so you can lift the bars out easily later.
Step 2: Prep the Apple Filling
In a medium bowl, toss together the sliced apples with all the apple filling ingredients. Use a silicone spatula to gently mix without breaking up the apple slices. Set aside once everything is well combined.
Step 3: Make the Crust/Topping
Melt the salted butter in a large bowl. Stir in all remaining bar ingredients until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble
Reserve about 2 cups (approximately 330 grams) of the crust mixture for topping. Press down the remaining mixture into your prepared pan. Stir the apples again before spooning them evenly over this base, leaving behind excess liquid in the bowl. Sprinkle reserved crust mixture on top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for about 38 to 45 minutes until golden brown on top. The apples should be tender when pierced through with a fork. While baking, prepare your caramel sauce. Let bars cool on a wire rack for about 1-2 hours before slicing.
Step 6: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
Follow my detailed salted caramel recipe here to prepare your sauce while waiting for your bars to bake!
Step 7: Serve & Store
Slice your cooled bars and drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3-4 days, whether they’re topped with caramel or not. Any extra caramel can also be refrigerated.
Step 8: Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare your caramel up to three days in advance; just microwave it briefly before use. You can make these bars one day ahead too—let them cool at room temperature before refrigerating until ready to enjoy! They’re scrumptious served warm, at room temperature, or cold!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.
A La Mode
- Ice Cream: Serve warm bars topped with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, fluffy addition that complements the rich flavors.
With Coffee or Tea
- Coffee: Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee; the bittersweet notes enhance the caramel flavor.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can balance the sweetness and provide a comforting experience.
As Party Favors
- Individually Wrapped: Cut the bars into small squares, wrap them in parchment paper, and tie with twine for charming party favors.
- Mini Dessert Plates: Serve small portions on decorative plates to create an inviting dessert table.
Drizzled with Extra Sauce
- Salted Caramel Sauce: For those who can’t get enough, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce right before serving for an extra indulgent treat.
How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Achieving the ultimate Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your bars come out perfectly every time.
- Use Fresh Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Gently toss your apple filling ingredients to maintain the apple slices’ integrity.
- Chill Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely before slicing; this helps them hold their shape.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts or drizzling chocolate on top for added flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars pair wonderfully with several side dishes that complement their sweet and spiced flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: Extra caramel sauce on the side gives guests an option to drizzle more over their bars.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: Soft cookies provide a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that offset the sweetness of the bars.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brightens up the dessert table.
- Chai Tea Latte: The spiced flavors of chai tea beautifully complement the apple pie flavors in the bars.
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These muffins echo fall flavors and make for a cozy combo when served alongside the bars.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to be aware of. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:
Using the wrong apple variety: Not all apples are suitable for baking. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape and provide great flavor.
Skipping the lemon juice: Neglecting to add lemon juice to the apple filling can lead to overly sweet bars. The acidity balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science; using too much or too little of any ingredient can affect the final product. Always measure ingredients properly for consistent results.
Overbaking the bars: Baking for too long can dry out your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness around the 38-minute mark.
Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the bars right after they come out of the oven may result in a messy slice. Allow them to cool properly before slicing for cleaner edges.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
- If you have leftover salted caramel sauce, store it separately.
Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350℉, place bars in an oven-safe dish, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a pan over low heat with a lid, warming gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars:
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can mix different apple varieties like Fuji or Gala with Granny Smith. This adds complexity to the flavor and texture.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples feel tender when pierced with a fork.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
What if I don’t have salted butter?
You can use unsalted butter and add an extra pinch of salt to achieve similar flavor in your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.
How do I make salted caramel sauce from scratch?
For homemade salted caramel sauce, melt sugar until it’s golden brown, then add heavy cream and salt. Detailed instructions can be found in my recipe post!
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine warmth and comfort, making them perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize with nuts or different spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy this delightful treat!
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are an indulgent twist on a classic dessert, combining the warm flavors of spiced apples with a buttery oat crumble. These bars offer all the taste of traditional apple pie with a fraction of the effort, making them perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. The rich salted caramel drizzle elevates these bars to another level of deliciousness, creating an irresistible treat that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 medium apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups salted butter
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉ and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, and spices in a bowl; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer the apple filling evenly over this base and sprinkle remaining crumble on top.
- Bake for 38-45 minutes until golden brown and apples are tender. Let cool before slicing.
- Drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
