Name: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 195 min
Ingredients: 0.25 cup old-fashioned oats (ground up in blender or coffee grinder); 0.75 cups all-purpose flour; 0.125 cup cornstarch; 0.33 cup confectioner’s sugar; 0.25 teaspoon table salt; 7 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened); 0.25 teaspoon vanilla; 2 large apples (peeled and thinly sliced (1/4 inch thick)); 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger; 0.125 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 0.125 teaspoon ground cloves; 0.5 cup old-fashioned oats; 0.33 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; 0.25 cup unsalted butter (melted); 0.5 cup water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 0.25-0.5 teaspoon table salt; 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract; 0.5 teaspoon juice from 1 lemon

Introduction to Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Are you in the mood for a delicious dessert but want something easier than a classic apple pie? Enter salted caramel apple pie bars! These delightful treats encapsulate the flavors of traditional apple pie, all while being easier to prepare and serve.

Why Choose Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Over Traditional Apple Pie?

Convenience: Making apple pie can be a labor of love, with multiple components like crust, filling, and decorative toppings. Salted caramel apple pie bars simplify the process by combining everything into a straightforward recipe—perfect for busy weekdays or spontaneous gatherings.
Serving Size: Bars are easy to cut and serve, making them ideal for parties or potlucks. No need for pie plates or messy slices; just grab a bar and go!
Flavor Twist: The addition of salted caramel elevates these bars to a whole new level. This sweet and salty contrast adds richness and depth that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Who wouldn’t love the creamy caramel drizzled over warm apple goodness?

If you're curious about how to make these tasty salted caramel apple pie bars, check out this apple pie history for some inspiration!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Creating these delicious salted caramel apple pie bars involves gathering a few key ingredients that work harmoniously to bring out the rich flavors of caramel and apple. Let's break down what you’ll need for each delicious layer!

Shortbread Crust Ingredients

For the sturdy base of our bars, you’ll need:

¼ cup old-fashioned oats, ground finely
¾ cup all-purpose flour
⅛ cup cornstarch
⅓ cup confectioner’s sugar
¼ teaspoon table salt
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Pie Filling Ingredients

For the luscious apple filling, gather:

2 large apples (think sweet and tart—like Honeycrisp and Crimson Crisp), peeled and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

Streusel Topping Ingredients

To add that delightful crunch, you’ll need:

½ cup old-fashioned oats
⅓ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Salted Caramel Sauce Ingredients

Finally, to drizzle over the top and pull everything together, here are the ingredients for the salted caramel sauce:

½ cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy cream
¼-½ teaspoon table salt (to taste)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon juice (from one lemon)

Ready to get cooking? Each component shines beautifully in your salted caramel apple pie bars, making for an irresistible dessert.

Step-by-step Preparation of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (149°C). This crucial step ensures your salted caramel apple pie bars bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, grab an 8x8 inch square baking pan and spray the sides and bottom with cooking spray. If you're feeling fancy, you can also line it with parchment paper, though I’ve found that pushing it down can be quite the workout!

Step 2: Make the shortbread crust
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 7 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon of vanilla, and ⅓ cup of confectioner’s sugar. Mix on low until they're nicely combined. Gradually add the ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of ground oats, ⅛ cup of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Keep mixing until you have a lovely dough—this should take about 3 minutes. Next, press the mixture firmly into your prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. This step paves the way for a buttery foundation for your bars, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Prepare the apple pie filling
While your crust is baking, it's time to focus on those apples. Take 2 large apples—mixing one sweet (like Honeycrisp) with one tart (like Crimson Crisp)—and peel and slice them into ¼-inch thick slices. Toss the slices in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and your spices: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, ⅛ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves. This mix not only flavors the apples, but the flour helps thicken the filling as they bake.

Step 4: Create the streusel topping
In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of oats, ⅓ cup of packed light or dark brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Pour in ¼ cup of melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the bars.

Step 5: Assemble the bars and bake
Once the crust is ready, raise the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Arrange your apple filling on top of the crust, making sure to press down gently. If you have extra apple slices, feel free to save them for a future recipe! Next, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples, pressing down for good measure. Bake for about 30 minutes, checking for that golden color on the streusel.

Step 6: Make the salted caramel sauce
Now for the pièce de résistance—the salted caramel sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup of water with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Place it on high heat and wait for it to boil. Keep an eye on it until it reaches 300°F on a digital thermometer. Then, reduce the heat to medium until it turns a beautiful amber color. Simultaneously, bring 1 cup of heavy cream and salt to a simmer. Carefully whisk the cream into the sugar syrup and finish with vanilla and lemon juice.

Step 7: Cool, chill, and cut the bars
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for about 20 minutes. Then, pop them in the fridge for a couple of hours to chill. This makes cutting the bars so much easier! Slice them into 12 or 16 bars, and drizzle that luscious salted caramel sauce over the top before serving. You won’t believe the flavor combination!

For more tips on baking and recipe inspiration, check out Serious Eats or America's Test Kitchen. Enjoy your salted caramel apple pie bars!

Variations on Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Adding Nuts for Extra Crunch

Want to elevate your salted caramel apple pie bars? Consider adding some nuts! Chopped pecans or walnuts in your streusel will not only give a delightful crunch but also enhance the flavor profile. Nuts pair beautifully with the caramel and apples, adding depth to every bite. A sprinkle of toasted almonds can also add a unique flair. Feel free to experiment until you find the nut blend that tantalizes your taste buds!

Using Different Apple Varieties for Unique Flavors

The beauty of apple pie bars lies in their versatility. Different apple varieties yield unique flavors and textures. For a sweeter touch, use Fuji or Gala apples, while tart Granny Smith or Braeburn apples will add a nice tang. Mixing varieties can create a delightful balance, enhancing the flavor of your salted caramel apple pie bars. Don't be afraid to mix and match to discover your perfect combo! For instance, check out this expert’s guide to apple varieties for more insights.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Key tips for perfecting your shortbread crust

To achieve a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust, be sure to cream the butter and confectioner’s sugar thoroughly before adding the dry ingredients. This airiness enhances the texture. After pressing the dough, don’t forget to bake it just until it’s lightly golden — around 15 minutes should do the trick. An underbaked crust can lead to a soggy bottom, which we definitely want to avoid.

How to achieve the ideal caramel consistency

For luscious salted caramel apple pie bars, the caramel sauce is crucial. As you boil the sugar, pay close attention to the color; once it reaches a deep amber, remove it from heat immediately. The key here is to gradually add the hot cream to prevent the caramel from seizing. If it feels too thick when cooled, whisk in a splash more cream until desired consistency is reached. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Serving Suggestions for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Pairing with Ice Cream and Whipped Cream

When it comes to serving salted caramel apple pie bars, nothing enhances their delectable flavor quite like a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The creaminess adds a wonderful contrast to the sweet and slightly salty caramel, making every bite a moment of bliss. For an extra touch, consider drizzling some caramel sauce over your ice cream too—because why not indulge a little more?

Drizzling Tips for Your Salted Caramel

To achieve the perfect drizzle of salted caramel on your bars, make sure your salted caramel sauce has thickened slightly. Use a spoon or a squeeze bottle to create beautiful patterns. For a fun presentation, you could even sprinkle a pinch of sea salt atop the caramel drizzle to elevate the flavors. If you're up for it, consider adding chopped nuts for an added crunch—it's all about those little touches that make each serving memorable!

Time Breakdown for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Preparation Time

Preparing the salted caramel apple pie bars is a breeze! You'll spend about 15 minutes gathering your ingredients and mixing up that delightful shortbread crust. Throw in the time it takes to peel and slice those delicious apples, and you're still under 30 minutes!

Baking Time

Once your layers are set, the baking begins. The shortbread crust bakes for 15 minutes, followed by the apple and streusel layers, which take around 30 minutes at 350°F. So, expect about 45 minutes of baking goodness before your kitchen is filled with the cozy scent of apples and cinnamon.

Cooling and Chilling Time

Cooling and chilling is crucial for achieving those perfect bars. Allow your baked masterpiece to cool for 20 minutes at room temperature. Then, pop it in the fridge to chill for a few hours. This will make cutting into your salted caramel apple pie bars a seamless task, ensuring you serve picture-perfect slices.

Crafting these delicious bars doesn't have to be a time-consuming ordeal! You can find additional tips and time management strategies for baking on Serious Eats. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Nutritional Facts for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Calories per serving

Each generous serving of these salted caramel apple pie bars delivers approximately 250 calories, making them an indulgent yet manageable treat for your dessert cravings.

Sugar and fat content

When it comes to sweetness, you'll find about 15 grams of sugar and 10 grams of fat per serving. Enjoy the rich flavor without the guilt, keeping moderation in mind!

Recommended servings

For best enjoyment, we recommend savoring one or two bars as part of an occasional treat. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee. Make sure to save some for later—they're just as delicious chilled!

This treat's delightful balance of flavors makes it hard to resist. If you want to learn more about the nutritional benefits of apples, you can check out resources from the USDA or NutritionData. Happy baking!

FAQs about Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make your salted caramel apple pie bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

How do I store leftovers?

Storing your salted caramel apple pie bars is a breeze! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences. You can swap the apples for pears or use a different sweetener like maple syrup instead of brown sugar. Just keep in mind that substitutions may slightly change the texture or flavor of your salted caramel apple pie bars, but experimenting can lead to delicious discoveries! For more tips on baking substitutions, check out the American Baking Society.

Conclusion on Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Summing up the delicious experience

These salted caramel apple pie bars perfectly encapsulate the flavors of fall, combining crunchy apples, buttery shortbread, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Easy to make and share, they’re an irresistible addition to any dessert table. Enjoy a taste of nostalgia that’s sure to impress your friends and family!