Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Unsalted butter: Provides the rich, creamy base for the crust.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to both the crust and the apple filling.

All-purpose flour: Used in both the crust and the filling to provide structure.

Salt: Enhances the flavors in the crust and balances the sweetness.

Apples: The star of the filling, providing a juicy and tart contrast to the sweet elements.

Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the apple filling.

Ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a slightly nutty flavor.

Caramel sauce: Drizzled on top for a rich, sweet finish.

Sea salt: Sprinkled on top to add a delightful salty contrast to the sweetness.

When preparing the apples for the filling, make sure to slice them uniformly. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the bars. Additionally, to prevent the crust from becoming soggy, allow it to cool slightly before adding the apple mixture.

• melted unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture level, adding a subtle coconut flavor.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the crust slightly denser.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger grains and a purer flavor, but use slightly more to achieve the same saltiness.

• peeled, cored, and sliced apples - Substitute with peeled, cored, and sliced pears: Pears offer a similar texture and sweetness, though they may be slightly juicier.

• granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, complex sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the filling without adding gluten, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.

• ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other warm spices, adding depth to the flavor.

• ground nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice has a similar warm, spicy flavor and can be used in equal amounts.

• store-bought or homemade caramel sauce - Substitute with dulce de leche: Dulce de leche offers a similar sweet, caramelized flavor but is creamier and richer.

• sea salt - Substitute with fleur de sel: Fleur de sel has a delicate, flaky texture and a clean, pure salt flavor, enhancing the caramel topping.

• Allow the salted caramel apple pie bars to cool completely at room temperature. This ensures that the caramel sauce sets properly and the bars hold their shape.

• Once cooled, cut the bars into desired portions. Use a sharp knife to get clean cuts through the apple filling and crust.

• For short-term storage, place the bars in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the apples and crust.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed bars on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. This will revive the caramel sauce and give the bars a freshly baked feel.

• If you prefer a quicker option, microwave individual bars on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds. Be cautious, as the caramel sauce can get very hot.

• Always store any leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain their flavor and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover salted caramel apple pie bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the caramel sauce from burning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method ensures the crust remains crisp while the apple filling becomes tender and juicy again.

• If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Place a single bar on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals. Be cautious, as the caramel sauce can get very hot.

• For a quick stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-low heat. Place the bars in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps maintain the crust's texture while warming the apple filling and caramel sauce evenly.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the bars in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method is great for keeping the crust crispy while ensuring the apple filling and caramel sauce are perfectly warmed.

• For a toaster oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking sheet. Heat for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overheat. This method is convenient and keeps the crust and apple filling in great condition.

• Oven: Used to bake the crust and the apple filling to perfection.

• 9x13 inch baking pan: The pan in which you will press the crust mixture and layer the apple filling.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients for both the crust and the apple filling.

• Spatula: Useful for pressing the crust mixture evenly into the baking pan and spreading the apple filling.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients like butter, sugar, and flour.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients such as salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

• Peeler: Handy for peeling the apples.

• Apple corer: Makes coring the apples quick and easy.

• Knife: For slicing the apples after they have been peeled and cored.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for peeling, coring, and slicing the apples.

• Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool evenly after baking.

• Drizzle bottle: Useful for drizzling the caramel sauce evenly over the bars.

• Parchment paper: Optional but can be used to line the baking pan for easier removal of the bars.

Use pre-made crust: Save time by using a store-bought crust instead of making one from scratch.

Apple slicer: Use an apple slicer to quickly peel, core, and slice the apples.

Pre-mixed spices: Use pre-mixed apple pie spice instead of measuring out individual spices.

Microwave caramel: Warm the caramel sauce in the microwave for easier drizzling.

Chill before cutting: Place the bars in the refrigerator to cool faster before cutting.