Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A Delicious Delight

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that bring the essence of traditional apple pie to a convenient and shareable format. These bars are not only pleasing to the eye but also satisfying to the palate, making them perfect for any occasion or as a delightful treat to enjoy at home. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation, and storing tips, along with the numerous benefits of this delightful recipe.

Presentation

When it comes to presenting Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, a clean and simple approach works best to showcase the beautiful layers and textures. After they have cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles and arrange them on a serving platter. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the top enhances the visual appeal and tempts the taste buds. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the presentation further, making your dessert not only delicious but also stunning.

Ingredients

To create these delectable Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:

5 medium apples, sliced between 1/8" and 1/4" thick
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp cinnamon
3/8 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Pinch of salt
1 and 1/2 cups salted butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled or weighed out
2 cups old-fashioned whole rolled oats
1 and 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp salted butter, cubed
1/2 cup + 1 tbsp heavy cream
Pinch of fine sea salt

Instructions

The preparation of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars involves several simple steps that deliver delightful results:

Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the ends for easy removal later.
Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently with a silicone spatula to avoid breaking the apple slices, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed. Set aside.
Make the Crust and Topping: In a large bowl, melt the salted butter. Stir in the remaining crust ingredients, including 3 cups of flour, old-fashioned oats, light brown sugar, baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined.
Assemble the Bars: Reserve 2 cups of the crust mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan. Give the apple filling a good stir, then spoon it evenly over the crust while leaving excess liquid in the bowl. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture on top.
Bake: Bake the bars for 38 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples feel tender. Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours before slicing them into bars.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: While the bars are baking, prepare your salted caramel sauce according to your preferred recipe.
Serve and Store: Slice the bars and drizzle with salted caramel before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Benefits of This Craft

Making Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars at home provides numerous benefits. Firstly, the combination of fresh apples and a variety of warm spices creates a comforting and nostalgic dessert that is perfect for fall or any family gathering. The use of wholesome ingredients allows you to control the quality and reduce preservatives often found in store-bought desserts. Additionally, the bars are versatile; they can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold, making them suitable for various occasions. Lastly, sharing these homemade treats with friends and family fosters a sense of community and enjoyment.

Tips

To perfect your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, consider these helpful tips. Ensure you use apples that are firm and slightly tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice flavor contrast to the sweetness. If you want to give your bars an extra touch, experiment with the spices; a hint of ginger or a dash of allspice can add a unique nuance. Also, ensure that you let the bars cool completely before slicing them to maintain their structure and prevent them from falling apart.

What Taste Looks Like?

The flavor of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars is a delightful mélange of sweet and savory. The tender, spiced apple filling is complemented by the rich, buttery crust, while the salted caramel sauce adds a decadent touch of sweetness with a contrasting salty finish. Each bite offers the comforting warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, reminiscent of a homemade apple pie, while the oats in the crust provide a pleasing chewiness.

How to Store

To preserve the freshness of your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It is optimal to keep the bars refrigerated, whether or not they have caramel on top. If you have extra salted caramel sauce, store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator as well. You can reheat the caramel in the microwave for 20 to 40 seconds to loosen it for drizzling once more.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars are an indulgent yet approachable dessert that combines the nostalgia of classic apple pie with the ease of a bar recipe. With simple steps and ingredients, you can make a delicious treat that is perfect for any gathering or just to enjoy at home. By following this guide, you can create the perfect batch of bars that will impress family and friends alike.

FAQ

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While firm and slightly tart apples work best, you can mix different varieties for layered flavors.

Is there a way to make these bars healthier?
Yes, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar content. You can also add nuts or seeds for added nutrition.

Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

What is the best way to reheat the bars?
To enjoy your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars warm, simply microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds or until heated through. Reheating in the oven is also an option; place the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars