If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that perfectly blends sweet and salty with a cozy hint of fall, then this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe is sure to become your new obsession. These bars bring together tender, cinnamon-dusted apples, a buttery crumbly crust, and a luscious swirl of salted caramel, creating a bite-sized experience that’s both comforting and irresistibly indulgent. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to wow guests or a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are a delicious celebration of flavors you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a starring role. From the flaky crust to the juicy, caramel-drizzled apples, every component is essential to creating those perfect, melt-in-your-mouth Salted Caramel Apple Bars.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your crust, giving it structure and a satisfying bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust while helping it brown beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp sea salt: Just a pinch to balance the flavors and enhance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps the crust hold together perfectly.
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced: The heart of the bars, delivering natural sweetness and a tender texture.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Keeps the apples fresh and brightens their flavor.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warm, fragrant spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for apple mixture): Helps thicken the apple filling for the perfect consistency.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings caramel notes and moisture to the crumble topping.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes: Creates the crumbly, buttery topping that adds the perfect crunch.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce: The rich, sticky component that ties everything together with its irresistible sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes: A finishing touch to highlight the caramel and provide that signature salted caramel flavor.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring your bars will lift out easily once baked. This initial setup makes all the difference for a smooth baking and cutting process later on.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, and sea salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This crumbly texture is exactly what you want—it means the crust will be buttery and tender once baked.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake it for about 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. This pre-baking step ensures the crust stays crisp under the juicy apple topping.
Step 4: Toss the Apples
While the crust is baking, toss your diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and 1/4 cup flour. The lemon juice adds brightness and prevents browning, cinnamon brings that warm flavor we all adore, and the flour will thicken the filling as it bakes.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping
Mix brown sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers to rub everything together until the texture resembles wet sand. This crumble topping will bake into a golden, crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples beneath.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Once the crust is out of the oven, spread the apple mixture evenly over it. Drizzle the luscious caramel sauce generously on top of the apples to add that rich, gooey texture that makes these bars so special. Finally, sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over everything.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the entire dish back into the oven for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crumble turns golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling. That golden crust and soft fruit are a signature marker of these bars’ greatness.
Step 8: Finish and Cool
When you remove the bars from the oven, sprinkle the sea salt flakes over the top right away. These flakes add bursts of salty flavor that contrast perfectly with the caramel. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing, so they hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce really elevates these bars for a special occasion. For a festive touch, add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts—they add a lovely crunch that complements the soft apple filling.
Side Dishes
These bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes them from everyday treat to unforgettable dessert. A cup of hot apple cider or spiced tea also pairs incredibly well, enhancing the warm, cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, cut the Salted Caramel Apple Bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter with small dessert forks. You can also layer them with whipped cream and chopped apples in a trifle glass for an elegant presentation. Either way, these bars make a joyful centerpiece for any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Salted Caramel Apple Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh a bit longer, refrigeration is best and will preserve their flavors for up to four days.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring your bars back to that fresh-baked warmth, heat them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This method crisps up the crumble topping again without drying out the filling. Microwaving also works for a quick warm-up but may soften the crust slightly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully for balance, but sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji provide a different, delightful flavor. Just choose apples that hold their shape well when baked.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will maintain the right texture without compromising taste.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Of course! Homemade caramel sauce adds an extra layer of decadence. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold on the apples but still pourable for easy drizzling.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Press the crust firmly and bake it well before adding the filling. Also, making sure the butter is melted but cool before mixing helps create a tender yet crisp crust.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on baking times as larger pans may require a few extra minutes to fully cook through.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say that this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe is an absolute winner for any occasion. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, comforting enough for cozy nights but elegant enough to serve guests with pride. Give it a try, and prepare to have a new fall favorite you’ll reach for again and again!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Delight in these indulgent Salted Caramel Apple Bars, featuring a buttery crumb crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce, and a golden, crunchy crumble topping finished with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. Perfect as a comforting dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Apple Filling
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
Garnish
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs evenly mixed together.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating it is set.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and diced apples with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup flour until the apples are thoroughly coated, which will help thicken the filling while baking.
- Make Crumble Topping: Mix brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and the cold butter cubes in a bowl. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour and sugar mixture until it resembles wet sand, creating a crumbly topping.
- Assemble Layers: Remove the crust from the oven and evenly spread the apple filling over it. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apples to add a rich, sweet layer.
- Add Crumble Topping: Spread the prepared crumble mixture evenly over the apple and caramel layer to finish the assembly.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns golden brown and the apples underneath are tender and bubbling.
- Final Garnish: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the sea salt flakes over the top, allowing the salt to gently dissolve into the caramel and crumble.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly, then cut into bars and serve. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and fruity flavors!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for a balance of sweetness and acidity.
- You can substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel or dulce de leche for a richer taste.
- Ensure the butter for the crumble is cold to achieve a crumbly, sandy texture rather than a dough.
- Allow bars to cool fully in the pan before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
