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Salted caramel apple pie bars bring comfort in every bite. They combine crispy crust, sweet apples, and rich caramel. Each layer builds flavor, making them a treat for all ages.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Indulge in the ultimate fall delight with these Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars! This easy recipe combines sweet apples, buttery crust, and rich caramel with a touch of sea salt for a perfect sweet and salty balance. Ideal for cozy nights or festive gatherings, these bars are simple to make and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Click through to learn how to create this delicious dessert that will warm your heart and impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cold egg yolk

For the filling:

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the caramel sauce:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.

    Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, softened butter, salt, vanilla extract, and the egg yolk until a crumbly dough forms. Press into the prepared baking dish evenly, making sure it covers the bottom. Bake for 15 minutes.

      Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are well coated.

        Cook the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, cook granulated sugar until it melts and turns a golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once melted, carefully add the cubed butter, stirring until melted and combined. Gradually add in the heavy cream (it will bubble), and stir until smooth. Mix in the sea salt, then remove from heat.

          Assemble the pie bars: After the crust is baked, layer the apple filling on top of the crust evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples.

            Bake: Bake the bars for about 25-30 minutes, until the apples feel tender and the filling is bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.

              Add the remaining caramel: Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the warm apple filling. Let the pie bars cool completely in the pan before slicing.

                Serving suggestion: Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or slightly warm, optionally topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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