Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the apple filling:

• 5 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the crumb topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the salted peanut butter caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. For the crust, mix flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan.

4. Bake for 15 minutes.

5. In a large bowl, mix sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

6. For the crumb topping, mix flour, brown sugar, and oats. Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly.

7. Spread apple mixture over the pre-baked crust.

8. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over apples.

9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until top is golden and apples are tender.

10. For the caramel, heat sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until amber in color.

11. Remove from heat, carefully add cream (it will bubble). Stir until smooth.

12. Add peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir until fully incorporated.

13. Let bars cool completely in the pan.

14. Drizzle with salted peanut butter caramel before cutting into squares.

Take a bite of these Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel and prepare for a flavor explosion that elevates the humble apple pie to new heights of indulgence! The buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and crumbly topping create a perfect base for the star of the show – that irresistible salted peanut butter caramel. It’s like combining the comfort of grandma’s apple pie with the trendy sophistication of salted caramel, all wrapped up in a convenient bar form. Whether you’re serving these at a fall gathering, bringing them to a potluck, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these bars are sure to impress. The combination of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors will dance on your taste buds, making every bite a celebration. So preheat that oven, slice those apples, and get ready to create a dessert that’s bound to become a new family favorite – it’s like capturing the essence of autumn’s bounty in one delectable, handheld treat!