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Making these bars is fun and easy. Here is what you need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 large egg - 3 cups Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce - Flaky sea salt for topping Each ingredient plays a role. The flour gives structure, while the butter adds richness. The apples bring tartness, and the caramel adds sweetness. Not every ingredient is a must. Here are some swaps you can try: - Use whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor. - Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper taste. - If you don’t have Granny Smith apples, use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for sweetness. - You can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. These changes can alter the taste and texture, so experiment to find your favorite. Want to make your bars even more special? Consider these add-ins: - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch. - Add dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity kick. - A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. - Try a bit of ginger for a spicy warmth. These extras can boost flavor and make your bars unique. Enjoy creating your perfect salted caramel apple pie bars! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps with easy removal later. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 large egg. Mix until the dough holds together. Slice 3 medium Granny Smith apples into thin pieces. In another bowl, toss the apple slices with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Spread the seasoned apples evenly over the slightly cooled crust. Drizzle 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce over the apples. Make sure to cover them well. Take the leftover dough and crumble it on top of the apples and caramel. Spread it evenly for a nice topping. Bake the dish in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and tender apples. Once done, let the bars cool completely in the dish on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out. Cut into squares or rectangles as you like. To get a great crust, use cold butter. Cut it into small pieces before blending. Mix the flour, sugar, and salt first. Then, add the butter. Aim for a crumbly mix. Don’t overmix; it should feel light. Press it firmly into the pan for a sturdy base. Granny Smith apples work best for these bars. They are tart and hold their shape when baked. You can also mix in Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter taste. Using a mix adds depth to the flavor. Aim for about three medium apples for this recipe. For a nice presentation, place the bars on a wooden board. Add slices of fresh apples around them. Drizzle extra salted caramel on top of each bar. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the look and taste. Serve with a small bowl of caramel for dipping. {{image_4}} You can adapt this recipe to fit various diets. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. If you want to cut sugar, replace granulated sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. For a dairy-free version, swap unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter. These changes keep the taste delicious while meeting your needs. Want to mix things up? You can add more spices to boost flavor. Try cardamom or allspice for a warm twist. Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra flavor. You can also toss in dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity touch. Each variation makes these bars unique and fun to enjoy. You can easily change these bars for seasonal events. For fall, add pumpkin spice or swap apples for pears. In winter, incorporate a dash of ginger or use spiced cider. For a spring treat, try fresh berries instead of apples. Each season offers a chance to make these bars special. Be creative, and let the flavors shine through! Store leftover salted caramel apple pie bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about five days. This helps keep the crust from getting too soft. Before you dig in, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This way, they taste just right. If you want to save some for later, freeze the bars. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want a treat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat the bars, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them up and makes the crust crisp again. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts to avoid sogginess. Enjoy your delicious bars warm! Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. It saves time and still tastes great. Look for a good quality brand with rich flavor. If you want to try homemade, it’s easy to make too. Just melt sugar and add cream. This adds a personal touch to your bars. To cut the bars, wait until they cool completely. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If you want nice squares, cut down the middle first. Then, slice each half into even pieces. For rectangles, cut straight lines across the width. This way, you get nice, even shapes for serving. These bars can last up to a week when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can stay good for about three months in the freezer. Salted caramel apple pie bars are a delightful treat. We covered key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips to make them perfect. You can adjust flavors with various add-ins and substitutions. I shared storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. Feel free to swap ingredients for different diets. Remember, these bars are great for any occasion. Enjoy your baking journey and impress your friends or family with these tasty bars!

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! This easy recipe features a crumbly crust, spiced Granny Smith apples, and rich salted caramel for a dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create these mouthwatering bars in just a few simple steps. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delightful treat!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 large egg

3 cups Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced (about 3 medium apples)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some edges hanging over the sides for easy removal later.

    Prepare the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture achieves a crumbly texture. Then, stir in the brown sugar and egg, mixing until the dough holds together.

      Bake the Base: Take about two-thirds of the prepared dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the lined baking dish, creating an even layer. Set aside the remaining dough for the topping. Bake the base in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

        Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg until every slice is well coated. Spread the seasoned apples evenly over the slightly cooled crust.

          Add Caramel: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the spiced apple layer, making sure to cover the apples evenly for added sweetness.

            Crumble the Topping: Take the reserved dough and crumble it over the apples and caramel mixture. Aim for an even distribution to create a lovely topping.

              Bake Again: Place the baking dish back into the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and fragrant.

                Cool and Slice: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. When cool, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the entire slab of bars out. Cut into squares or rectangles as desired.

                  Serve: Just before serving, drizzle extra salted caramel over the top of each individual bar and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the bars on a rustic wooden board, garnished with extra apple slices and a small bowl of salted caramel for dipping.