Description
Delightful Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars merge classic autumn flavors with irresistible sweetness. Buttery crumble, tender spiced apples, and rich caramel create a dessert that will make fall gatherings truly memorable.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large apples (peeled and diced)
Spices and Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 pinch sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and lining a rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Create a buttery base crust by blending flour, sugar, and melted butter until a cohesive, crumbly texture forms. Gently press the mixture evenly into the prepared dish, compacting it firmly with fingertips.
- Bake the foundational crust for approximately 15 minutes until edges turn slightly golden, then remove and allow to cool momentarily.
- Prepare the apple filling by combining sliced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch, ensuring each apple piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic spice mixture.
- Distribute the seasoned apple mixture uniformly across the pre-baked crust, creating an even layer that covers the entire surface.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the apples become tender and the top develops a gentle golden-brown appearance.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and stabilize.
- Enhance the flavor profile by elegantly drizzling salted caramel sauce across the surface, creating delicate swirls and patterns.
- Finish the dessert by sprinkling a delicate layer of sea salt over the caramel, providing a sophisticated contrast of sweet and savory notes.
Notes
- Customize the crust by swapping some all-purpose flour with almond or oat flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- Slice apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the bars.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness that complements the rich caramel sauce.
- Make extra caramel sauce and store in the refrigerator to drizzle over future desserts or morning pancakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg