There’s something truly magical about the combination of warm, spiced apples, buttery crumble, and a rich, salty-sweet caramel sauce. If you’re craving a dessert that is perfect for any occasion, Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are an absolute must-try. They bring together the beloved flavors of a traditional apple pie with a decadent salted caramel twist, making for a treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a special dessert night.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who’s just starting out, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details of creating this scrumptious dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

To make the perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients. These ingredients will create a deliciously flaky crust, a spiced apple filling, a buttery crumb topping, and the all-important salted caramel sauce that ties it all together. Let’s break down each component:

For the Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ tsp salt

For the Apple Filling:

3 large apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ tsp salt

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp sea salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is a straightforward process, but the layers of flavor are what really elevate this dessert. Let’s break down the preparation into easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure the bars come out easily once they’re baked.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add in the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. The goal is to have pea-sized bits of butter remaining.

Once the mixture is crumbly, press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring it’s even and compact. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. This gives the crust a nice, firm foundation for the apple filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. Peel and dice the apples into small chunks. In a bowl, toss the diced apples with the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The flour helps to thicken the juices released by the apples as they cook, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add that warm, spiced aroma that’s quintessential to apple pie.

Once the crust has finished baking, remove it from the oven and carefully spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the crust. The apples should cover the entire surface of the crust for a nice even layer.

Step 3: Add the Crumb Topping

Next, it’s time to make the crumb topping. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and salt. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. This topping will add a sweet, buttery crunch to balance the tender apples.

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple layer, making sure to cover all the apples. It doesn’t have to be perfect—some apple filling might peek through, and that’s completely fine.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Place the bars back into the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork. During this time, your kitchen will be filled with the delightful smell of baked apples and spices.

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before serving. This cooling step is crucial, as it helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut.

Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the bars are cooling, it’s time to make the salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat. Stir the sugar constantly to prevent burning, and continue cooking until it reaches an amber color, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once the sugar has melted and turned amber, carefully add the cubed butter to the pan. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up. Stir until the butter is completely melted.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and fully incorporated. Finally, stir in the sea salt, which will give the caramel that perfect sweet-and-salty balance.

Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled apple pie bars.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the salted caramel sauce has cooled slightly, drizzle it generously over the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. You can either drizzle it on top before serving or serve it on the side for people to add their own.

Slice the bars into squares, and enjoy the harmonious blend of crisp crust, spiced apples, buttery crumb topping, and that irresistible salted caramel drizzle. The layers of flavor will leave you craving more!

Tips for Making Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

Use the Right Apples: For the best texture and flavor, choose apples that hold up well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples. These apples will provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Chill the Butter for the Crust: Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky, crumbly crust. Be sure to cut the butter into small cubes and chill it before mixing.
Don’t Overmix the Topping: When making the crumb topping, be careful not to overmix. You want the topping to stay crumbly, not turn into dough.
Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them. This will help them hold together and make cutting much easier.
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. The salted caramel sauce can also be stored in the fridge and reheated when needed.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you might also enjoy these other dessert recipes:

Each of these recipes shares similar flavors, with a perfect mix of sweetness and rich texture. They are all perfect for any occasion, especially when you’re craving a treat that combines comfort with a touch of indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars last?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can last up to 3 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. For longer freshness, refrigerate them and they’ll keep well for up to 7 days. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each bar individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving for the best taste and texture.

What do you need to make a caramel apple bar?

To make a batch of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need the following components:

A buttery crust made from flour, sugar, and cold cubed butter.
A spiced apple filling using peeled and diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and a touch of flour.
A crumb topping featuring brown sugar, softened butter, flour, and a pinch of salt.
A homemade salted caramel sauce crafted from sugar, butter, heavy cream, and sea salt.

Together, these layers build a rich, flavorful dessert that captures the essence of classic apple pie with a decadent twist.

How long can apple pie bars sit out unrefrigerated?

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can sit out unrefrigerated for up to 2 days, especially in cooler environments. However, because of the caramel and fruit content, it’s best to store them in a cool, dry place and consume them within this time. For safety and optimal freshness, consider refrigerating them if your kitchen is particularly warm or humid.

Should apples be cold when making caramel apple desserts?

When preparing the apple filling for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, it’s not necessary for the apples to be cold. However, fresh, firm apples are key for the best texture and flavor. Room temperature apples are perfectly fine to use, and they blend more easily with sugar and spices. If the apples are overly cold or just out of the fridge, allow them to sit for a few minutes before dicing.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic combination of apples, caramel, and a buttery, crumbly topping. These bars offer the best of apple pie in a more portable, easy-to-make format. The salted caramel drizzle takes these bars to a whole new level, adding that perfect balance of sweet and salty.

With a little patience and a few basic ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving a cozy treat, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars – Easy Fall Dessert Idea

Author: MixMealMagic
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate dessert! With a buttery, flaky crust, a spiced apple filling, and a sweet and salty caramel drizzle, these bars capture the cozy flavors of fall. Perfect for holiday gatherings, picnics, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ tsp salt

For the Apple Filling:

3 large apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ tsp salt

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream
1 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and mix until the dough is crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
Add the Crumb Topping: In a bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and salt until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple filling.
Bake the Bars: Bake the bars for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns amber. Add the butter and whisk until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking, then add sea salt. Stir to combine and remove from heat. Let the sauce cool slightly.
Serve: Drizzle the cooled salted caramel sauce over the apple pie bars. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Notes

Make Ahead: You can prepare the bars and store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, or refrigerate them for up to a week.
Freezing: These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Apple Varieties: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best results.
Caramel Tip: If the caramel sauce gets too thick, simply reheat it gently to loosen it up.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert, Fall Treats
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 85mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, Caramel Apple Bars, Apple Pie Bars, Fall Dessert, Apple Bars, Salted Caramel Dessert, Easy Apple Dessert, Homemade Apple Bars