Apple Pie Bars

Apple Pie Bars are an amazing treat that captures the heart of autumn, mixing sweet and tart flavors in a completely irresistible form. Imagine buttery shortbread, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping all coming together in one delightful bite! These bars are super easy to make, so you don’t need to worry about rolling out pie crusts or trying to make it pretty. Instead, you can whip up a batch of Apple Pie Bars to share with friends and family, or even enjoy them all to yourself on a cozy night in front of the TV.

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Whether you’re planning a potluck, a family gathering, or just a sweet snack after dinner, these bars are bound to be a hit! Each bite gives you that warm, comforting feeling, filled with nostalgia. Let’s explore why this recipe works so wonderfully and what makes these Apple Pie Bars a favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

Apple Pie Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert, offering the warm, spicy flavors of apple pie in a convenient bar form. This recipe combines a buttery shortbread crust, a sweet and spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping, all drizzled with homemade salted caramel sauce. The balance of textures and flavors is what makes these bars irresistible, perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Bars

These Apple Pie Bars are not just easy to make; they also bring the nostalgia of classic apple pie to your table without the fuss of a whole pie. Every bite is a delightful blend of sweet apples, rich caramel, and a hint of spices that evoke the feelings of fall and family gatherings. Plus, they are easy to share, making them a hit at potlucks, picnics, or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 5 tbsp (70 g) salted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (55 g) brown sugar, packed
• 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated white sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups (188 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 5 cups (700 g) apples, peeled and diced into ½ inch pieces (about 4 large apples)
• 1/2 cup (140 g) salted caramel sauce
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Preparing the Salted Caramel Sauce

To start, grab a large saucepan and heat granulated sugar over medium-low heat. Stir gently as it melts and turns golden—this should take a few minutes. Once you have a beautiful golden liquid, add the salted butter and stir until it’s nicely combined. Gradually mix in the heavy cream, stirring quickly to keep it smooth. After blending in sea salt and vanilla, let the caramel simmer for 2-3 minutes before taking it off the heat to cool completely.

Making the Shortbread Crust

Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Cream these ingredients until they’re light and fluffy. Next, add flour and salt, mixing on low speed until it’s crumbly. Once done, press the dough into your prepared pan and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until you see a light golden color. Let it cool completely.

Creating the Streusel Topping

While the crust is baking, you can whip up the streusel topping. In a medium bowl, cream together unsalted butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Then, mix in flour, salt, and cinnamon until it’s all in coarse crumbs. This step is simple and fun! Place the streusel in the freezer to keep it cool while you prepare the apple filling.

Cooking the Apple Filling

Next, it’s time for the apple filling. In a large saucepan, combine your diced apples, caramel sauce, and spices. Stir well to coat the apples, then cook over medium heat, covered, for about 16-20 minutes. You want the apples to become tender, so give them a stir occasionally! Once done, remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.

Baking the Apple Pie Bars

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) again. With the crust cooled and the apple filling ready, spread the apple mixture over the baked shortbread crust. Then, sprinkle the prepared streusel on top for that perfect crunch. Bake this delicious creation for 30-35 minutes until it turns golden brown. When done, allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack—this usually takes about 2 hours. Once cooled, cut into 16 bars and drizzle with some of that delicious salted caramel sauce. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!

Serving Suggestions

These Apple Pie Bars are delightful as a dessert or even as a sweet afternoon snack. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a little extra indulgence. You really can’t go wrong!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter and cream are at room temperature; this helps create a smooth caramel sauce.
• For deeper flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples—this really enhances the filling!
• Don’t skip the cooling time; letting the bars set up nicely helps with clean cutting.

Variations

If you want to shake things up a bit, consider swapping the apples for pears or even adding some cranberries for a unique twist. You can also experiment with different spices, like cardamom, for a fragrant touch. For those avoiding gluten, just use gluten-free flour, and you’re all set!

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, but do wrap them well!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! While store-bought caramel sauce can work, homemade adds a special touch.

Q2: Can I prepare the crust ahead of time?
A: Yes! Making the crust a day in advance and keeping it in the refrigerator works well.

Q3: What types of apples work best for this recipe?
A: A mix of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness is a great combo.

Q4: Can I make these bars vegan?
A: Sure! Just swap the butter for vegan alternatives and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream.

Q5: Is it necessary to chill the bars before cutting?
A: It’s recommended. Chilling helps them hold their shape when cutting into squares.

These Apple Pie Bars are a delicious combination of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, they encapsulate the essence of comfort food. With easy steps and delightful results, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and enjoy this delightful journey of flavors straight from your kitchen!

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