Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness. Imagine layers of tender spiced apples baked into a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a crumbly streusel and finished with a drizzle of salted caramel. These bars are indulgent yet easy to make, offering all the flavors of apple pie in a portable, shareable form. Ideal for fall gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy dessert at home, they bring comfort and elegance in every bite. The combination of tart apples and rich caramel creates a harmony of flavors, while the streusel topping adds delightful crunch. Not only do these bars taste amazing, but they also present beautifully, making them a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. If you love apple desserts that are both simple to prepare and impressive to serve, Salted Caramel Apple Bars will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Salted Caramel Apple Bars: Sweet and Irresistible
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy and buttery dessert bars layered with tender spiced apples and drizzled with rich salted caramel sauce, perfect for fall or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold into wet mixture until just combined.
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Fold into batter.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool slightly, then drizzle salted caramel sauce over the bars.
- Sprinkle lightly with sea salt flakes and cut into squares before serving.
Notes
- For extra decadence, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Granny Smith apples work best for a tart contrast to the sweetness.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Each ingredient adds to the perfect texture and flavor of these indulgent bars.
All-purpose flour serves as the base for both the crust and streusel topping, providing structure.
Butter adds richness and helps bind the crust while lending a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated sugar sweetens the crust and topping, balancing the tartness of apples.
Brown sugar deepens the flavor with a hint of molasses, enhancing the caramel-like notes.
Rolled oats in the streusel give a rustic texture and nutty flavor.
Ground cinnamon provides warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
Nutmeg adds depth and enhances the autumn-inspired flavor profile.
Apples are the star ingredient, offering tartness and natural sweetness. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work especially well.
Cornstarch helps thicken the apple filling, preventing excess liquid from making the crust soggy.
Salted caramel sauce is the finishing touch, adding richness and a sweet-salty balance that elevates the bars.
Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness in both the crust and topping.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Start with the crust by mixing flour, sugar, salt, and melted butter until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Meanwhile, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
For the streusel topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apples. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
Once baked, let the bars cool completely before cutting. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce just before serving for the ultimate finishing touch.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 16 bars. Preparation takes 20 minutes, baking requires 55 minutes in total, and cooling takes about 1 hour. The overall time is approximately 2 hours including cooling.
Storage/reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them (without caramel drizzle) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and drizzle with caramel before serving. Reheat briefly in the oven for a warm dessert.
Variations and Customizations
Nut topping
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
Spiced caramel
Infuse the caramel sauce with cinnamon or cardamom for added warmth.
Gluten-free version
Use gluten-free flour and oats for a celiac-friendly option.
Double apple
Mix in dried apples with the fresh apple filling for more concentrated flavor.
Cheesecake layer
Add a cream cheese layer between the crust and apple filling for a richer twist.
Maple drizzle
Replace caramel with a maple glaze for a seasonal variation.
Cranberry-apple combo
Add dried cranberries to the apple mixture for tart contrast.
Individual portions
Bake in muffin tins for personal-sized servings.
Spicy kick
Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or chili powder into the caramel for a sweet-heat balance.
Chocolate caramel
Drizzle with chocolate-caramel sauce for extra decadence.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day once the flavors meld.
What are the best apples to use?
Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness best.
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, homemade or store-bought caramel both work well.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-bake the crust before adding the apple filling.
Can I freeze caramel apple bars?
Yes, freeze without caramel and drizzle after thawing.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smooth texture, but optional.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free flour and oats.
Should I refrigerate leftovers?
Yes, for longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
How do I cut neat bars?
Cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Can I serve these warm?
Yes, they are delicious warm with ice cream on the side.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Bars capture the essence of fall in a simple yet indulgent dessert. With a buttery crust, tender spiced apples, crunchy streusel, and a drizzle of salted caramel, they are irresistible for any occasion. These bars are easy to transport, shareable, and versatile enough to customize for different preferences. Whether served warm with ice cream, enjoyed at room temperature, or given as a homemade treat, they never fail to impress. This recipe is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, making it a must-bake addition to your dessert collection.
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