Easy Apple Pie Bars with Homemade Salted Caramel

As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, delicious dessert that evokes feelings of home and nostalgia. If you’re a busy person juggling work, family, and everything in between, you might find it challenging to carve out time for baking. That’s where our recipe for Easy Apple Pie Bars with Homemade Salted Caramel comes in! Not only is this recipe quick and straightforward, but it also delivers the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in a fun, portable bar form.

Why You Will Love This Easy Apple Pie Bars with Homemade Salted Caramel

Imagine coming home after a long day, and the smell of fresh apple pie fills the air. It’s warm, inviting, and oh-so-comforting. But let’s be honest, who has time to spend hours making a pie crust from scratch? This recipe allows you to enjoy all the flavors of apple pie without all the fuss. The easy apple pie bars are perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings with friends, or as a delightful treat to bring to a potluck.

The best part? The combination of a buttery crust, spiced apples, and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel creates a dessert that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to prepare. Plus, these bars can be made ahead of time, making them a go-to option for any occasion. Your friends and family will adore these lovely bars, and you’ll love how easy they are to whip up!

Practical Tips / Cooking Tips

To ensure your Easy Apple Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose the Right Apples: The best apples for pies are a mix of sweet and tart varieties. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn.
• Don’t Skip the Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices that enhance the flavor of the apples. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste!
• Let the Bars Cool: Allowing your bars to cool completely will make them easier to cut and serve. Patience pays off here!
• Store Properly: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for a week. They also freeze well!

Nutritional Value / Health Benefits

While our Easy Apple Pie Bars may be a treat, they do have some nutritional benefits worth mentioning:

• Apples: These are a great source of fiber and Vitamin C. They can help with digestion and provide antioxidants that support overall health.
• Whole Grains: If you opt for whole-wheat flour in your crust, you’ll increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients than refined flour.
• Homemade Caramel: Making your own salted caramel allows you to control the ingredients, potentially reducing excess sugar and avoiding preservatives found in store-bought versions.

Recipe Overview

Ready to dive into making these delicious Easy Apple Pie Bars? Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to create this delightful treat.

Ingredients (with substitution options in table format)

Ingredient	Amount	Possible Substitutions
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Whole wheat flour, gluten-free flour blend
Granulated sugar	1 cup	Brown sugar, coconut sugar
Unsalted butter	1 cup (softened)	Coconut oil, vegetable oil
Eggs	1 large	Flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water)
Sliced apples	4 cups (peeled and cored)	Pears or other seasonal fruits
Cinnamon	1 tsp	Apple pie spice
Salt	1/2 tsp	Sea salt, kosher salt
For Caramel:
Granulated sugar	1 cup	Brown sugar for a richer flavor
Heavy cream	1/2 cup	Coconut cream for a dairy-free option
Butter	1/4 cup	Dairy-free butter or margarine
Sea salt	1/2 tsp	Pinch of table salt

Instructions (step-by-step with cooking tips)

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and mix again. Gradually add the flour, salt, and cinnamon, stirring until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, peel and slice the apples. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and salt until evenly coated.
4. Add the filling: Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and add the spiced apples on top of the crust, spreading them evenly.
5. Bake again: Bake the bars for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the top is golden brown.
6. Make the salted caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of sugar. Allow it to melt, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully stir in the cream and butter, taking care as it may bubble up. Finally, add sea salt to taste.
7. Cool and cut: Let the apple bars cool completely in the pan before drizzling with homemade caramel. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

FAQ

Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salted caramel a few days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and simply reheat before using.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Leftover apple pie bars should be stored in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, these bars can also be frozen.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! This recipe is flexible. You can substitute apples with other fruits like pears or berries. Just be mindful of their moisture content, as it may affect the overall texture.

Recipe Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to customize your delicious apple pie bars, here are a few variations you might consider:

• Add Nuts: Consider mixing in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with adding ginger or allspice to the apple filling for a unique twist.
• Try a Different Topping: Instead of salted caramel, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top can take your bars to another level of deliciousness!

Conclusion with light call to action

Now that you have the recipe and tips to make your own Easy Apple Pie Bars with Homemade Salted Caramel, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! This delightful treat is perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a cup of coffee on a cozy evening. Don’t forget to share your results and tag us in your posts. We can’t wait to see how your bars turn out! Happy baking!

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