Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Here’s a delicious Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars recipe you can try:

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

For the apple filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the caramel sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For assembly:

• 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust:
   • In a food processor, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Make the apple filling:
   • In a bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until well combined.
   • Pour the apple mixture over the baked crust and spread it evenly.
4. Make the caramel sauce:
   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
   • Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
5. Assemble the bars:
   • Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apple filling. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt for a touch of sweetness and savory balance.
6. Bake the bars:
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbly. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
7. Serve:
   • Cut into squares, serve, and enjoy the perfect combination of apple pie and salted caramel in every bite!

These salted caramel apple pie bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a comforting dessert at home. 🍏🍯🍰