Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Heavenly Treat
Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked apple pie wafting through your home, hinting at sweet nostalgia and warm gatherings. Now, picture that delight transformed into Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars—among the most indulgent desserts you’ll ever create. With layers of buttery crust, tender apples, and a crisp, crumbly streusel topped with gooey salted caramel, these bars are a slice of heaven. Not only are they incredibly easy to whip up, but they also serve as a delightful treat for kids and adults alike. Perfect for any occasion, they promise to elevate your dessert game and leave everyone at the table begging for more.
Craving Something Sweet?
Is there anything better than biting into a sweet, warm dessert that combines crisp apples, luscious caramel, and a buttery crust? Have you ever found yourself reminiscing about family gatherings where dessert was the star of the show? These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars aren’t just another dessert; they’re a gateway to cherished memories of home, family, and celebrations. When those sweet cravings hit, can you resist the temptation to bake and indulge in a fabulous homemade treat that will have everyone swooning?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars have everything you could want in a dessert. They’re easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and can be served warm or cold, making them a versatile crowd-pleaser.
- Quick Preparation: Whip these bars up in just a few simple steps.
- Nostalgic Flavors: Bite into a treat that brings back warm memories of autumn and home baking.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for cooking with kids, who will love the hands-on aspect of making the streusel and layering the apples.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden crust, colorful apple filling, and shining caramel sauce promise stunning visuals that impress guests.
Ingredients
To create these decadent Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
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For the crust:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
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For the apple filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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For the finishing touch:
- Homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce
Each ingredient is carefully selected to enhance the overall flavor profile, promising a taste journey that’s satisfying on every level.
Timing: A Perfect Blend of Fast and Luxurious
Cooking should never feel like a chore, and these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars embody that philosophy. In just about an hour, you’ll be enjoying this rich, sliceable dessert that offers both a quick treat and an indulgent experience. You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, yet the end result feels luxurious and satisfies any sweet tooth. Whether you’re preparing for a quick family dessert or an elegant dinner with friends, these bars strike the perfect balance between ease and indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these captivating Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars involves straightforward steps that are sure to yield delightful results.
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Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. This will help the bars to lift out effortlessly once baked.
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Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Add the flour and mix until it forms a cohesive dough. Press this into the prepared baking pan to create an even layer, then bake for 15 minutes until slightly golden.
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Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated, and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
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Make the streusel topping: In another bowl, whisk together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in the cold, cubed butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, rich and tempting.
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Assemble and bake: Increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Evenly layer the prepared apples on top of the warm crust, followed by a generous sprinkle of the streusel topping. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the streusel is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
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Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes. For the best results, chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours. When ready to serve, cut into bars and generously drizzle with salted caramel for an exquisite finishing touch.
Each step in this process showcases your care and attention, and you’ll find that the anticipation of tasting the final product only adds to the experience.
Nutritional Information
While these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are an indulgence, it’s worth noting their nutritional content. Each bar contains approximately 190 calories, making them a delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your day. Just remember, moderation is key.
Enjoying these bars as an occasional indulgence can make the experience even sweeter, as you savor each delicious bite bursting with flavor.
Healthier Alternatives
For those looking to make some adjustments, various healthier alternatives can help lighten this dessert without sacrificing flavor:
- Low-sugar options: Use less sugar in the apple filling and streusel for a more balanced sweetness.
- Dairy-free substitutes: Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use dairy-free caramel for a completely vegan version.
These swaps can help fit your dietary preferences while still providing a satisfying and delectable dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them warm straight from the oven, or serve them cold after chilling for a refreshing treat. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to elevate the dessert to another level.
Also perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or cozy evenings, these bars create a delightful atmosphere wherever they’re served. There’s something utterly delightful about sharing homemade treats with loved ones, and these bars are no exception.
Common Mistakes
While making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is relatively straightforward, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on your bars to prevent overbaking, which can result in a dry texture.
- Texture Issues: Ensure your butter for the streusel is cold; this helps achieve that desirable crumbly texture.
- Messy Layers: Use parchment paper strategically for easy transfer and clean slicing—no more messy servings.
Preventing these mishaps will ensure a successful baking experience with deliciously satisfying results.
Storing Tips
When it comes to storing your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, follow these simple guidelines:
- Freezing portions: These bars freeze exceptionally well. Cut them into portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-friendly container for up to three months.
- Reheating instructions: To enjoy these bars warm, simply thaw them in the refrigerator, and then reheat in the oven or microwave until just warmed through.
These storing tips make it easy to keep these indulgent treats on hand for whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Tempted to Bake?
With all the glorious flavors, textures, and memories that Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars evoke, you’ll want to rush into your kitchen and get baking ASAP. The breathtaking combination of buttery crust, tender apples, and decadent caramel is simply too good to resist. Your family and friends will gather around, drawn in by the mouthwatering aroma and the promise of a sweet treat that they won’t forget. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and transform your kitchen into a haven of sweet indulgence!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
2. What’s the best way to slice these bars?
Once chilled, use a sharp chef’s knife and a gentle sawing motion to cut clean edges without tearing.
3. Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Making homemade salted caramel is simple and adds a lovely richness to your bars.
4. How long do the bars last in the fridge?
These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to one week when tightly covered.
5. Can I add nuts to the streusel topping?
Certainly! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add an enjoyable crunch and flavor to your streusel topping.
These FAQs cover common queries, ensuring a smooth baking process for your delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulgent dessert bars with buttery crust, tender apples, and a crisp streusel topping drizzled with salted caramel.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust by stirring together melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt until combined. Add flour and mix to form a dough. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until slightly golden.
- Prepare the apple filling by combining sliced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
- Make the streusel topping by whisking together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold cubed butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Increase oven temperature to 350°F. Layer apples over the warm crust and sprinkle streusel on top. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and apples are bubbling.
- Cool for at least 20 minutes, preferably chill for 2 hours. Cut into bars and drizzle with salted caramel before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to one week. Bars freeze well for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
