Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate fall treat, blending the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie with the convenience of a handheld dessert. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these bars are sure to impress. With layers of buttery crust, spiced apple filling, crumbly streusel topping, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle, each bite is pure bliss.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

For the Apple Filling:

  • 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ cup heavy cream, room temperature
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Add flour and stir until a soft dough forms.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

  1. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

  1. In another medium bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture becomes crumbly.

4. Assemble and Bake:

  1. Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked crust.
  2. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
  3. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

5. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns amber in color.
  2. Add the butter and stir until fully incorporated.
  3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Allow to cool slightly before using.

6. Serve:

  1. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the cooled bars.
  2. Once completely cool, cut into squares or rectangles and serve.

Storage Tips:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Pro Tips:

  1. For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cardamom to the apple filling.
  2. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and wipe it between slices for a neat presentation.
  3. If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works as a substitute, though homemade is always best!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • It’s a crowd-pleaser with layers of flavors and textures.
  • Perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks.
  • The salted caramel sauce adds a gourmet touch to a simple dessert.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are everything you love about apple pie in a portable, easy-to-make format. Whip up a batch today, and watch them disappear in no time. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us with your photos!