Oh, honey, let me tell you about these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! Just thinking about them makes my kitchen smell like fall. I can almost see the leaves turning and feel that crisp air. There’s just something so comforting about the combination of warm apples, sweet caramel, and a hint of salt. It’s like a hug in a bar, you know?

Now, I wasn’t always a baking whiz. My first attempt at Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars was a disaster. I burnt the caramel so bad, the whole house smelled like a tire fire. The kids were gagging! But I was determined to get it right. I tweaked the recipe, experimented with different apples, and finally, after a few tries, I nailed it. If you are intrested in some different ideas, check out this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars – Break or Bake.

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars have become a staple in our house. They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy night in with a movie. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, even with a toddler hanging on your leg! Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can.

I love the way the buttery crust crumbles in your mouth, followed by the soft, spiced apples and that gooey salted caramel dessert. It’s pure heaven, I tell you. I especially love bringing this recipe to family gatherings, and it has been a huge hit at Friendsgiving!

This recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars came to me from a church bake sale. I tasted a sample of it, and begged the cook to give me the recipe. I was so grateful! Since then I have tweaked it, adding my own special touch to make it perfect for my family.

So, grab your apron, crank up the oven, and let’s get baking! I promise, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will be a hit with your family and friends. And don’t worry if you mess up the caramel the first time – we’ve all been there! I will teach you how to make sure that doesn’t happen. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful bars:

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4-6 tablespoons ice water

For the Apple Filling:

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt

Now, let’s talk ingredients, shall we? For my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, I always use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. The Granny Smith gives it that tartness, while the Honeycrisp adds a touch of sweetness. It’s the perfect balance, really.

When making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you can find the best apples at your local farmers market. They’re usually fresher and tastier than the ones at the grocery store. Plus, supporting local farmers is always a good thing!

Here’s a Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars trick I learned from my grandma: always use cold butter for the crust. It makes it so much flakier and tender. I pop the butter in the freezer for about 15 minutes before I start. This keeps the butter from melting too quickly and ensures a perfectly flaky crust.

For a shortcut, you can buy pre-made caramel sauce. But honestly, the homemade stuff is so much better, and it’s really not that hard. You can also peel the apples the night before and store them in the fridge in a bowl of cold water with lemon juice to keep them from browning for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. This saves time and makes the process even easier.

To save money, buy apples when they’re in season. They’re usually cheaper and taste better. For the crust, you can use shortening in place of half of the butter, but I prefer the taste of all butter in these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. It adds a richness and depth of flavor that shortening just can’t match.

Store any leftover apples in the fridge in a sealed bag or container. The butter can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, and the flour should be kept in a cool, dry place. This is key when making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. I also make sure to use fresh spices, so that the flavor is perfect. Freshly ground nutmeg, in particular, can make a huge difference!

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s how you make these beauties:

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix! I learned the hard way with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars that overmixing makes the crust tough.
Press the dough into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup. I usually poke holes in the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up.
Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. While the crust is baking, let’s move on to the apple filling for our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.
Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly. I like to let the apples sit for a few minutes while the crust is baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the apples extra juicy for our apple pie bars.
Pour the apple filling over the baked crust. Spread it out evenly. Don’t worry if your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars filling looks a little messy – it’ll all come together in the oven!
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns into a golden amber color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be patient and don’t burn the sugar! This is a critical step for making perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Burning the sugar will result in a bitter caramel, which we definitely want to avoid.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the butter until melted and smooth. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful!
Stir in the salt and set aside. The caramel sauce will thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little thin at first.
Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling. Be generous! This is where all the magic happens in our salted caramel dessert creation.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the caramel sauce is bubbly and golden brown. In my kitchen, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars usually takes about 32 minutes. The smell is absolutely divine!
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is important, because the caramel needs to set up properly, so the apple pie bars aren’t a complete mess. I usually put them in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.

While the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is cooking, I usually do a quick load of laundry or catch up on my favorite podcast. Multi-tasking is key, right? Your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars should smell like warm apples, cinnamon, and sweet caramel. It’s the ultimate comfort scent, I tell you! For another delicious caramel recipe, check out these Caramel Apple Cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some fun ways to serve and enjoy your apple pie bars:

My family absolutely devours these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! The kids love our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars when I serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm and cold, sweet and salty. I sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an extra touch of flavor.

My go-to side dish for **Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars** is a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a light and airy touch that complements the rich caramel and apples. I also love to sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top for that extra salty kick. The sea salt really enhances the sweetness of the caramel and apples.

This Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s so much easier to make than a whole apple pie. Plus, it travels well, so it’s perfect for potlucks! I usually cut them into smaller squares for easy serving.

For presentation, I like to dust the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars with a little powdered sugar before serving. It makes them look extra fancy! You can also drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top for added decadence. A drizzle of caramel sauce always makes everything look more appealing.

If you have extra Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature.

I’ve tried a few seasonal variations of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. One time, I added a little bit of cranberry sauce to the apple filling for a Thanksgiving twist. It was surprisingly delicious! I have also made it with pear instead of apples, and that was amazing too! The possibilities are endless!

My friends always ask for this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars recipe whenever I make it. It’s definitely one of my most requested desserts! I think everyone loves the combination of sweet, salty, and comforting flavors. You could say this recipe is an example of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars – Sally’s Baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Q: My caramel sauce is too thin. What did I do wrong?

A: Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! The caramel sauce can be too thin if you didn’t cook the sugar long enough or if you added the cream too quickly. Make sure the sugar turns a deep golden amber color before adding the butter. Also, pour the cream in slowly, whisking constantly. You know what I do when my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars sauce is too thin? I put the sauce back on the stovetop and cook it for another minute or two, stirring constantly, until it thickens up.

Q: Can I use different types of apples?

A: Absolutely! I usually use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, but you can use any apples you like. Braeburn, Gala, and Fuji apples also work well. You know what I do when I have a bunch of different apples on hand? I use them all! It adds a nice variety of flavors and textures to the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars.

Q: Can I make these apple pie bars ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! In fact, I think they taste even better the next day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. You can bake the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Or, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: My crust is too hard. What did I do wrong?

A: A hard crust usually means you overmixed the dough or didn’t use enough butter. Be careful not to overmix the dough, and make sure your butter is cold. You know what I do when my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars crust is too hard? I brush it with a little melted butter before baking. It helps to soften it up.

Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?

A: Of course! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Just sprinkle them over the apple filling before drizzling with the caramel sauce. My husband loves it when I add nuts, but the kids aren’t big fans, so I usually leave them out.

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: You can use whole wheat flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour, but it will change the texture of the crust. I wouldn’t recommend using all whole wheat flour, as it will make the crust too dense. You know what I do when I want to make these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars a little healthier? I use half all-purpose flour and half white whole wheat flour.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

A: To prevent the crust from getting soggy, make sure to bake it until it’s lightly golden brown before adding the apple filling. You can also brush the crust with a little melted chocolate before adding the filling. The chocolate will create a barrier between the crust and the apples, preventing it from getting soggy. This sounds amazing with our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, right?

My Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of fall, family, and all things cozy. It is a recipe my family and I love so much and I hope yours will too! They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, and they’re so easy to make.

My Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Pro Tips:

Use cold butter for the crust: This is key to a flaky and tender crust.
Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in a tough crust.
Be patient when making the caramel sauce: Don’t rush the process, or you’ll end up with burnt caramel.

I’ve tried a few variations of these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. One time, I added a layer of cream cheese filling between the crust and the apples. It was so good! I have also made them with a streusel topping instead of a caramel sauce. The streusel topping really made it feel like apple crumble bars. The kids love the apple pie bars with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, while my husband prefers them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They might also enjoy these Easy Pineapple Bars Recipe!

So, there you have it! My recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. I hope you give it a try and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different apples, spices, or toppings. Most of all, have fun! The best part about baking is sharing your creations with the people you love.

I really hope that you love these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars as much as my family and I do. Happy Baking! Try using this recipe to make some amazing caramel banana pecan cake! You will love it!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Print Recipe

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine the comforting flavors of apple pie with a delightful salty-sweet caramel drizzle. A buttery crust and crumble topping sandwich a spiced apple filling for a perfect fall treat.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust and Crumble:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

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Instructions

Make the Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half. Flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
Assemble the Bars: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit the bottom of the prepared pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and press it evenly into the bottom.
Pour the apple filling over the crust.
Crumble the remaining disc of dough over the apple filling.
Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust and crumble are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Make the Salted Caramel: While the bars are baking, make the caramel. In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it is melted and amber in color.
Add the butter and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.
Cool and Drizzle: Let the bars cool completely before drizzling with the salted caramel. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Serve these bars warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the flavors perfectly!