Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Have you ever had one of those days when all you want is a hug in dessert form? Something warm, gooey, and ridiculously comforting? If you haven’t tried Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars, then my friend, you’re seriously missing out! These sweet treats combine two classic favorites: apple pie and indulgent salted caramel, all wrapped up in a easy-to-handle bar form. Trust me when I say they’ll blow your mind. Let’s dive into the deliciousness that is salted caramel apple pie bars!

What Makes These Bars So Irresistible?

So, why does the thought of salted caramel mixed with apple pie get every dessert lover’s heart racing? Well, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty great flavors with a beautiful texture that just sings. Here’s a quick rundown on what makes these bars truly stand out:

Sweet Apples: Lovely tart apples provide a refreshing contrast.
Rich Caramel: Creamy, dreamy salted caramel takes every bite to another level.
Buttery Crust: The crust balances everything out with a nice buttery crunch.

Honestly, who could resist that combo? Not I! 😋

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what’s going into these mouth-watering bars. You probably have most of these ingredients lying around. If not, grab your grocery list, because trust me, you won’t want to miss out!

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (hello, buttery goodness!)
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

3–4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith are my go-to)
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons lemon juice (to keep those apples fresh!)
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Salted Caramel:

1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt

Yes, this list may not be as short as I hoped, but each ingredient plays a vital role here, trust me!

Making Your Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars – Step by Step

Now that you’ve gathered your weapons of dessert warfare, it’s time to get baking! Here’s how to whip up your own batch of these delicious bars:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and toasty by the time you’re ready to pop those bars in!

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, melted butter, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Bake for about 10 minutes. It should be lightly golden when you pull it out. Let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Make sure everything gets nice and cozy together.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust and bake for another 20–25 minutes. The apples should become tender and glorious.

Step 4: Craft the Salted Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it’s a golden caramel color. (Pro tip: Don’t walk away! Trust me, burnt sugar isn’t a flavor anyone enjoys.)
Stir in the butter until it melts, then slowly add the heavy cream, whisking constantly—this will bubble up, so be careful!
Remove from heat and sprinkle in the sea salt. Give it a good stir and let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Combine the Magic

Pour the caramel over the baked apple filling. You can think of it as adding a sweet little blanket. 😍
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, just to ensure everything melds together like a best friend reunion.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once you pull the dish out of the oven, let it cool completely. This is crucial, my impatient friends—don’t ruin the masterpiece by slicing it too soon!
Once cooled, cut it into squares and, voilà! You have yourself a batch of salted caramel apple pie bars.

Why You’ll Love Them

Okay, so I didn’t even mention the smell while baking. It’s like having a warm hug from an adorable grandma! (Sorry, Grandma… your hugs are still top-tier, though.) 😜

Plus, they’re downright versatile! You can serve these luscious bars at gatherings, as a sweet pick-me-up during a Netflix binge, or as a homey treat for your loved ones. My personal favorite is taking a piece straight out of the fridge and enjoying it cold… but that’s just me.

Storing Your Deliciousness

If you have any leftovers (which is rare, because they’re just that good), here’s how to store them:

Fridge: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Pop them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to indulge again!

Final Bites: A Sweet Reminder

So, there you have it! Salted caramel apple pie bars that’ll make you the star of any dessert table. Seriously, once you start making these, I predict you’ll soon be the one arranging the next potluck—because everyone will be begging for a taste!

Will these bars make everything better, you ask? Absolutely! So why not give this delightful recipe a go? You won’t regret it! Happy baking, folks! 🍏🍮

And remember, life is short—eat dessert first!