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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
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Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine tart Granny Smith apples, a buttery flaky crust, warm spices, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle into a convenient handheld dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. These easy-to-make bars capture the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and aromatic notes, delivering an irresistible treat that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust and Topping

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces

For the Apple Filling

  • 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Salted caramel sauce, for drizzling (about 1/2 cup or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press about half of this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch pan to form the base crust.
  2. Make the apple filling: Peel, core, and thinly slice the Granny Smith apples. Toss the apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until all slices are evenly coated and fragrant.
  3. Layer the filling onto the crust: Spread the apple mixture uniformly over the prepared crust base, ensuring an even layer for consistent baking.
  4. Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture evenly over the apple layer to create a crumbly topping that contrasts with the tender filling.
  5. Bake and caramelize: Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Remove from the oven and while still warm, drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect flavor balance with the caramel.
  • Keep the butter cold to ensure a flaky and tender crust.
  • Do not skip the salted caramel drizzle; it adds moisture and a rich flavor boost to the bars.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to help the filling set and maintain bar structure.
  • Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for the most intense and fresh spice flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel, apple pie bars, apple dessert, caramel apple bars, handheld dessert, home baking, fall dessert, easy apple recipe

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/salted-caramel-apple-pie-bars/