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Best Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: Easy Fall Dessert

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars - featured image
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These salted caramel apple pie bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, a crunchy oat streusel topping, and a rich homemade salted caramel drizzle. They’re an easier, fuss-free alternative to traditional apple pie that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 5–6 medium apples, Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for finishing)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
  2. Make the shortbread crust: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in 3/4 cup cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized butter pieces. Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake 18-20 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  4. Make the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup rolled oats, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour in 1/2 cup melted butter and stir with a fork until clumps form.
  5. Assemble the bars: Spoon apple filling evenly over pre-baked crust. Sprinkle streusel topping over apples. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes until streusel is golden brown and apples are tender. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  6. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add 1 cup packed brown sugar and whisk until combined. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream while whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 5-7 minutes, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let cool 10 minutes.
  7. Finish and cool: Let bars cool in pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Drizzle salted caramel sauce generously over top. Sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt if desired. Let cool completely (1-2 hours) before lifting out using parchment handles and cutting into squares.

Notes

For best results, use Granny Smith apples for structure. Let bars cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling. For clean cuts, run knife under hot water between slices. Bars taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week. Freeze individual wrapped bars for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel apple pie bars, apple pie bars, fall dessert, apple dessert, shortbread crust, streusel topping, easy apple bars

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/best-salted-caramel-apple-pie-bars-easy-fall-dessert/