Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine traditional flavors with a modern twist. They feature a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. The addition of salted caramel creates a balanced sweet-salty taste. This recipe simplifies the baking process, as there is no need to roll out dough. To understand the history behind this dessert and how to prepare it, one must explore the detailed steps and tips provided in the following sections.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert, making them a favorite for many.
These bars are easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for sharing at events. Unlike traditional pies, there’s no need to roll out pie dough for a crust, simplifying the preparation process.
The addition of salted caramel drizzle provides a unique sweet-salty flavor that enhances the dish. Filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, these bars capture the essence of fall.
History
Although the exact origins of apple pie can be difficult to trace, it is widely believed that the dessert has roots in ancient civilizations. The earliest recorded recipes for pie-like dishes date back to the Romans, who filled pastry with fruits and meats.
Over centuries, apple pie evolved, particularly in Europe and later in America. By the 19th century, apple pie became a symbol of American culture, often associated with home and comfort.
Today, various adaptations, like salted caramel apple pie bars, showcase the timeless appeal of this classic dessert, blending traditional flavors with modern twists for diverse tastes.
Recipe
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- Apple Filling:
- 3 cups diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cold cubed butter
- Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and flour until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until well combined. Spread the apple mixture over the crust evenly.
- To prepare the streusel topping, mix together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the salted caramel sauce. In a saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to cook without stirring until it turns a deep amber color (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and butter (the mixture will bubble). Stir until smooth and remove from heat. Add sea salt and let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cooled bars.
- Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares for serving.
For the best results, make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape.
Use firm apples for the filling, as they hold their texture better when baked.
Feel free to customize the recipe with nuts or oats for added texture, and always monitor the caramel closely to avoid burning.
Enjoy your delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars!
Final Thoughts
The final thoughts on the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars highlight the ease and satisfaction of preparing this dessert.
With no need to roll out pie dough, the recipe simplifies the baking process while delivering delicious results.
The combination of cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet-salty salted caramel drizzle creates a flavor profile that is sure to impress.
These bars are also versatile, allowing for various substitutions to cater to different dietary preferences.
Whether served warm or at room temperature, they make a perfect addition to gatherings or family meals.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars can provide helpful insights for those looking to perfect their baking experience.
Common inquiries include the best type of apples to use; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness and firmness.
Many also wonder about making caramel in advance; it can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
For optimal results, allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing is crucial.
Additionally, variations such as adding nuts or using gluten-free flour can enhance the recipe.
Following these tips can lead to delicious results.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- Apple Filling:
- 3 cups diced apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and flour until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In another bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until well combined. Spread the apple mixture over the crust evenly.
- To prepare the streusel topping, mix together the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the salted caramel sauce. In a saucepan, heat the sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Allow the mixture to cook without stirring until it turns a deep amber color (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Carefully whisk in the heavy cream and butter (the mixture will bubble). Stir until smooth and remove from heat. Add sea salt and let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cooled bars.
- Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares for serving.
- For the best results, make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape