Salted caramel apple pie bars are like a warm hug on a chilly day, bursting with gooey caramel and crisp apples, all wrapped in buttery goodness. Imagine sinking your teeth into that deliciousness, where each bite feels like autumn dancing on your taste buds and leaves you smiling ear to ear. indulge in Peanut Butter Butterfinger Cookies. For more inspiration, check out this butterscotch cookies recipe.
As I remember the first time I made salted caramel apple pie bars, I knew right away this dish would be a family favorite. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the aroma of baking apples filled my kitchen. My kids couldn’t wait to dive in! They took one bite, and their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These salted caramel apple pie bars are simple to make with minimal effort required
- Each bar is a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that will leave you craving more
- Their golden-brown crust is visually appealing and inviting on any dessert table
- Great for parties or cozy nights at home; they are truly versatile treats
I vividly recall my daughter’s wide-eyed reaction as she devoured the first piece, declaring it her new favorite dessert while trying to lick the caramel off her fingers! For more inspiration, check out this toffee brittle recipe recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple for creating that flaky crust; sifted for a lighter texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and filling beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for the crust; it creates that delightful flakiness we all adore.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness to both the crust and filling, making every bite irresistible.
- Fresh Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor against the sweetness of the caramel.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade; either way, it’s crucial for that luscious topping.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch brings warmth to the apple filling, enhancing its comforting flavor.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together in this delicious bar recipe.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates the flavors of both crust and filling beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Eggs and Mix Well: Stir in one egg until fully incorporated. The dough should hold together but not be sticky. Press into a greased baking pan evenly.
Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel and slice your fresh apples thinly. Toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well-coated and aromatic.
Layer with Salted Caramel Sauce: Pour half of your salted caramel sauce over the pressed dough before adding an even layer of spiced apple slices on top.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until edges turn golden brown. The smell will be heavenly!
Add Final Touches: Once out of the oven, drizzle remaining salted caramel over warm bars. Let cool before slicing into squares—trust me; patience is key here!
Enjoy sharing these delightful salted caramel apple pie bars with friends or savoring them solo—no judgment here! Each bite promises a taste of nostalgia wrapped in every gooey layer of goodness. celebrate with a festive 4th Of July Trifle.
You Must Know
- Salted caramel apple pie bars are a delightful twist on traditional apple pie
- The rich flavors of caramel and apples create a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion
- These bars are easy to make, slice beautifully, and will impress anyone you serve them to
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by making your crust before preparing the apple filling, as it needs time to chill. While the crust chills, you can slice your apples and prepare the salted caramel sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisps or add nuts for extra crunch. You can also drizzle chocolate on top for a unique twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your salted caramel apple pie bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. enjoy Cornbread Waffle Bites Reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds to enjoy warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always slice apples uniformly for even cooking, preventing some from being mushy while others remain crisp
- For a deeper flavor, let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling it over the bars
- Ensure your butter is cold when making crust; this keeps it flaky!
Making these salted caramel apple pie bars brought back memories of family gatherings, where laughter filled the air and everyone fought over the last piece. try these Blueberry Muffin Cookies It’s those moments that make baking so special.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for salted caramel apple pie bars?
Absolutely! Store-bought caramel can save time without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake your crust briefly before adding the filling to avoid sogginess.
Can I freeze salted caramel apple pie bars?
Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of autumn with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. Each bar features a buttery, flaky crust layered with spiced apples and topped with rich salted caramel. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these bars are sure to become a family favorite, delivering warmth and sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large fresh apples (preferably Granny Smith)
- ¾ cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the egg until fully incorporated. Press the dough into a greased baking pan evenly.
- Peel and slice apples thinly. Toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well-coated.
- Pour half of the salted caramel sauce over the crust, layer with spiced apple slices, then pour remaining caramel on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden brown. Drizzle with any remaining caramel after removing from oven and let cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts to the apple filling. Feel free to substitute Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp or other tart varieties for a different flavor profile. Store leftovers in an airtight container; they can be reheated briefly in the microwave.
