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Kid-Approved Apple Pie Bars with Easy Salted Caramel

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These kid-approved apple pie bars with salted caramel drizzle are simpler than a traditional pie but just as satisfying. A buttery shortbread crust, tender apple filling, and homemade salted caramel come together for the perfect family dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 5–6 medium apples)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides.
  2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized butter bits. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden around edges. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the apple filling: Peel, core, and slice apples into thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch thick). Toss in a large bowl with 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Use hands to coat every slice. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. Assemble and bake: Spread apple mixture evenly over pre-baked crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes until apples are tender and edges are bubbly. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  5. Make the salted caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking constantly until sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and flaky sea salt. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  6. Drizzle and set: Once bars are completely cool, drizzle caramel over the top in a zigzag pattern. Let sit for 15-20 minutes until caramel sets slightly. Use parchment handles to lift slab onto a cutting board, then slice into squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Don’t overwork the crust; some cracks are fine. Use a sharp peeler for easier apple prep. Watch caramel carefully as it can burn quickly. Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. For best results, use a metal pan for a crisper crust. Bars taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple pie bars, salted caramel, kid-friendly dessert, apple dessert, shortbread crust, fall baking, easy apple bars

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/kid-approved-apple-pie-bars-with-easy-salted-caramel/