Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: 5 Dreamy Fall Bakes to Try
Introduction
As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s no better way to welcome the season than with a batch of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars. This delectable treat combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the irresistible allure of salted caramel, all in a convenient bar form. Perfect for cozy nights in or as a showstopping dessert at your next gathering, these bars are sure to become your new fall favorite.
Why is it Perfect for You?
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the ideal Autumn dessert for several reasons:
◾ Easy to make and serve
◾ Portable for picnics or potlucks
◾ Combines beloved fall flavors
◾ Can be prepared in advance
◾ Versatile for various occasions
Ingredients List
For the crust:
◾ 2 cups all-purpose flour
◾ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
◾ 1/2 teaspoon salt
◾ 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the apple filling:
◾ 4 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
◾ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
◾ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
◾ 1/4 cup brown sugar
◾ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
◾ 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the salted caramel:
◾ 1 cup granulated sugar
◾ 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
◾ 1/2 cup heavy cream
◾ 1 teaspoon sea salt
Preparation Time and Servings
◾ Prep time: 30 minutes
◾ Cook time: 45 minutes
◾ Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
◾ Servings: 16 bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 15 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, flour, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Arrange the apple mixture over the partially baked crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Salted Caramel
In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Once the sugar has melted and turned amber, add the butter and stir until fully melted.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously.
Add the sea salt and cook for 1 minute more.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Drizzle half of the salted caramel over the apple layer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven and drizzle with the remaining caramel.
Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Information
◾ Calories: 320 per bar
◾ Fat: 15g
◾ Carbohydrates: 45g
◾ Protein: 3g
◾ Fiber: 2g
◾ Sugar: 30g
Calories per Person
Each Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bar contains approximately 320 calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe healthier, consider these substitutions:
◾ Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour
◾ Reduce sugar content by 25%
◾ Replace butter with coconut oil
◾ Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in the caramel sauce
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful bars:
◾ Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
◾ Alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea
◾ As part of a dessert platter at your next holiday gathering
◾ Packed in a lunchbox for a sweet treat
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overworking the crust dough, which can make it tough
◾ Using apples that are too soft, resulting in a mushy filling
◾ Burning the caramel sauce by not stirring constantly
◾ Cutting the bars before they’ve cooled completely
Storing Tips for the Recipe
◾ Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
◾ Refrigerate for up to a week
◾ Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil
FAQs
Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Yes, pre-made caramel sauce can be used as a time-saver. However, homemade caramel adds a richer and more personalized flavor, making it worth the extra effort.
What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are perfect for caramel apples due to their firm texture and tartness. These apples hold up well when dipped and have a great balance of flavor against the sweetness of the caramel.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, which will give you the same great texture without the gluten.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel is ready when it reaches a deep amber color and coats the back of a spoon. To ensure it’s at the right stage, you can also use a candy thermometer; it should read around 350°F (175°C).
Can I omit the salt in the caramel?
While you can omit the salt, it really enhances the overall flavor profile of the caramel, balancing the sweetness and giving it a more complex taste. If you prefer a sweeter option, feel free to skip it.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and luscious salted caramel topping, they’re sure to become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy family dinner or bringing them to a festive gathering, these bars are guaranteed to impress. So, preheat your oven and get ready to indulge in this irresistible Autumn dessert!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
