Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe
Are you ready to transform a classic dessert into a show-stopping treat? Salted caramel apple pie bars blend traditional flavors with modern culinary creativity, offering a delectable twist on the beloved apple pie. You'll craft a dessert that's both familiar and exciting, with layers of buttery shortbread, spiced apples, and a luxurious caramel drizzle that'll have everyone asking for your secret recipe. Curious about how to create these irresistible bars that balance sweet, salty, and spiced notes? Let's get started.
Recipe Highlights
- A classic dessert combining buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced Granny Smith apples, and rich caramel sauce for a gourmet twist on traditional apple pie.
- Requires simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, brown sugar, apples, and caramel sauce, with a straightforward baking process at 350°F.
- Baking involves creating a golden crust first, then layering seasoned apple slices and baking for 25-30 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Final touches include drizzling caramel sauce, optionally sprinkling sea salt, and allowing bars to cool completely for optimal texture and flavor.
- Offers versatile serving options, pairing well with ice cream or whipped cream, and can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.
History
Although apple pie has roots deeply embedded in American culinary tradition, the evolution of salted caramel apple pie bars represents a modern twist on a classic dessert.
You'll discover that this innovative treat emerged from pastry chefs' desire to reimagine traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. Key developments include:
- The rise of artisanal bakery trends in the early 2000s
- Increased interest in combining sweet and savory flavor profiles
- Growing popularity of deconstructed dessert concepts
As bakery innovation progressed, chefs began experimenting with familiar desserts, transforming them into more portable, versatile formats.
You'll notice how these bars capture the essence of apple pie while offering a more convenient, elegant presentation. The integration of salted caramel introduced a sophisticated layer of complexity, elevating the humble apple dessert into a gourmet experience that appeals to modern palates seeking nuanced, layered flavor combinations.
Recipe
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. This dessert transforms the classic apple pie into a convenient, handheld treat that captures all the warmth and comfort of a traditional homemade pie.
The secret to these bars lies in the carefully balanced layers: a buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced apples, and a luxurious caramel drizzle that elevates the entire dessert. Each bite promises a harmonious combination of textures and flavors that will delight both apple pie enthusiasts and caramel lovers alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large Granny Smith apples
- 1 jar caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan. Mix the flour, softened butter, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until a crumbly dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the pan to create a smooth crust, then bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
While the crust bakes, slice the apples thinly and uniformly. Toss the apple slices with the remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. After removing the crust from the oven, layer the seasoned apple slices across the surface in an even pattern.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the edges are bubbling.
For the best results, allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce. Use a sharp knife to cut clean, precise squares and ensure each piece has an even distribution of crust, apples, and caramel.
The bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week, making them a convenient make-ahead dessert for any occasion.
Cooking Steps
You'll want to start by preheating your oven and gathering all your ingredients for these mouth-watering salted caramel apple pie bars.
First, slice your Granny Smith apples uniformly and toss them with brown sugar, creating a sweet base for your dessert.
Then, you'll press the flour and butter mixture into your baking pan, creating a golden, buttery crust that'll serve as the perfect foundation for your apple layers.
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Preheat Oven
When preparing to bake these salted caramel apple pie bars, gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven to ensure a smooth cooking process. You'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large Granny Smith apples
- 1 jar caramel sauce
Set your oven to 350°F, allowing it to warm while you prep.
Take the butter out of the refrigerator to soften, which helps create a smooth, even crust. Wash and dry your apples thoroughly, then slice them uniformly to guarantee consistent baking.
Measure ingredients precisely, using level cups for flour and brown sugar. Have your 9×13 baking pan ready, ensuring it's clean and dry.
Check that your caramel sauce is at room temperature for easy drizzling later.
Step 2. Slice and Sugar Apples
After preheating the oven and gathering ingredients, grab a sharp chef's knife and cutting board to prepare your Granny Smith apples. Wash the apples thoroughly, then core and slice them into uniform 1/4-inch thick wedges. Aim for consistent slice thickness to ensure even baking and a professional-looking final dessert.
Key slicing tips:
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts
- Slice against the grain for maximum apple stability
- Discard any bruised or soft sections
Once sliced, transfer the apple pieces to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1 cup of brown sugar over the apples, gently tossing to coat each slice evenly.
The sugar will caramelize during baking, creating a rich, deep flavor that complements the salted caramel drizzle. Let the apples sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out natural moisture.
Step 3. Bake Crust, Add Apples
Since the shortbread crust forms the critical foundation of these salted caramel apple pie bars, precise preparation ensures a delectable result.
Press the softened butter and flour mixture firmly into your 9×13 baking pan, creating an even, compact layer that'll provide structural integrity for your dessert. Bake the crust at 350°F for exactly 15 minutes, watching for light golden edges that signal perfect pre-baking.
After removing the crust, carefully layer your pre-sliced, sugar-tossed Granny Smith apples across the surface. Arrange them uniformly, overlapping slightly to maximize coverage and ensure consistent baking.
Return the pan to the oven, allowing the apples to transform into tender, caramelized perfection over 25-30 minutes. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma of warming spices and sweet fruit.
Step 4. Sprinkle Cinnamon on Apples
Because spices transform ordinary apple desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences, you'll want to sprinkle ground cinnamon carefully over your sliced apples to elevate the flavor profile of these salted caramel apple pie bars.
Use approximately 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, distributing it evenly across the apple slices to ensure each bite carries a warm, aromatic essence.
Gently toss the apples to coat them completely, allowing the cinnamon to adhere naturally to their surface. The spice won't only enhance the apples' natural sweetness but also create a deeper, more complex flavor that complements the buttery crust and rich caramel drizzle.
For uniform seasoning, use your fingertips to sprinkle the cinnamon, creating a light, even layer that promises a delightful sensory experience in every bar.
Step 5. Drizzle Salted Caramel Sauce
Drizzling the salted caramel sauce transforms these apple pie bars from good to absolutely irresistible, elevating the dessert with a luxurious finishing touch.
You'll want to wait until the bars have completely cooled before adding the caramel to prevent immediate absorption into the crust.
Key drizzling techniques:
- Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for controlled application
- Create zigzag or crosshatch patterns for visual appeal
- Ensure even distribution across the entire surface
For the perfect drizzle, warm your caramel sauce slightly to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Hold the spoon or bottle about 6 inches above the bars, moving steadily to create elegant, thin streams.
Consider using a light sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the caramel's complex flavor profile, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a weekend kitchen adventurer, these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars represent a delightful intersection of classic comfort and modern dessert innovation.
The recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that'll impress your friends and family. Consider a few pro tips for guaranteed success: use room-temperature butter for easier mixing, slice apples uniformly to ensure even baking, and don't rush the cooling process.
The caramel drizzle transforms these bars from good to extraordinary, adding a luxurious finish that elevates the entire dessert. Your guests will appreciate the careful balance of sweet, salty, and spiced elements.
With minimal effort, you'll create a showstopping treat that looks professionally crafted yet tastes wonderfully homemade.
