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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon-spiced tart apples with rich salted caramel and a buttery, flaky crust. This easy-to-make bar recipe offers a convenient, mess-free way to enjoy the essence of classic apple pie with a luscious twist, perfect for fall gatherings, gifting, or indulgent snacking.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling

  • 4 cups peeled and chopped tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Topping

  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Optional crumble topping: 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed), 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Mix the softened unsalted butter with brown sugar until creamy. Gradually add flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract to bind the dough. Press the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan to create a sturdy buttery base.
  2. Cook the Apple Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped peeled apples with butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Cook until the apples soften and release their juices, about 8-10 minutes, creating a tender and flavorful filling.
  3. Layer the Bars: Spread the cooked apple mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce generously on top, allowing it to seep through the apples for maximum gooeyness.
  4. Add a Crumble or Top Crust (Optional): For extra texture, sprinkle the crumble topping made from flour, sugar, cold butter, and chopped nuts over the caramel layer, or alternatively, roll out additional dough to cover the apples before baking.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and caramel starts to bubble around the edges. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn to maintain structure and avoid mushy filling.
  • Keep a close watch when baking to prevent caramel from burning or drying out.
  • For a flakier crust, chill the dough before pressing it into the pan.
  • Use high-quality caramel sauce, whether homemade or store-bought, for best flavor.
  • Slice bars with a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Salted Caramel, Apple Pie Bars, Fall Dessert, Caramel Apple Bars, Homemade Pie Bars, Gluten-Free Dessert, Autumn Treat