Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a cozy dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty, crisp apples, and buttery crumble, you have to try this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe. These bars combine tender baked apples with a golden crumbly crust, finished with luscious salted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes that elevate every bite. Whether for a family gathering or a sweet treat after dinner, these bars bring warmth and nostalgia in every luscious square.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to craft these irresistible bars. Each one has a purpose: flour and butter build the perfect crust and crumble texture, apples bring juicy freshness and a hint of tartness, while sugars and caramel offer that signature rich sweetness accented by a touch of salt.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for both crust and crumble layers, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp crust.
• 1/4 tsp sea salt: Balances flavors enhancing the sweetness without overpowering.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together while adding richness.
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Fresh, juicy apples deliver that classic fall flavor and tender bite.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a fresh citrus note.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the fruit with warm spice, enhancing its natural sweetness.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for apple mixture): Helps thicken the fruit filling for perfect bar texture.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Used in the crumble topping, it brings deep molasses flavor and moisture.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes: Creates the crumbly texture in the topping when rubbed in.
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce: The star player, drizzled over apples for that irresistible salted caramel goodness.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes: Sprinkled on top to finish with a delightful salty crunch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to make lifting the bars out a breeze. Setting this foundation right ensures your bars come out perfectly shaped and easy to serve.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the textures resemble coarse crumbs. This crumbly mixture will form the foundation of your bars, delivering a buttery, slightly crisp base after baking.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared pan’s bottom, smoothing it into an even layer. Pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes until you see the edges turn lightly golden. Par-baking the crust solidifies the base, so it stays sturdy under the juicy apple layer.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and 1/4 cup flour in a mixing bowl. This coats the apples evenly and helps thicken the juices during baking, ensuring the filling isn’t too runny but perfectly tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

Combine brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and the cold butter cubes in a bowl. Use your fingers to rub the ingredients together until the mixture looks like wet sand. This crumble topping will bake into a golden, buttery crust that adds texture and a sweet finish to your bars.

Step 6: Assemble with Apples and Caramel

Take the crust out of the oven and layer the apple mixture over it evenly. Drizzle the luscious caramel sauce on top, letting it nestle between the apples. This step is where the magic of the Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe really starts to shine, mixing tart apples with that ready-to-drizzle caramel delight.

Step 7: Add the Crumble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping over the caramel and apples, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and the apples are bubbling tender beneath the topping.

Step 8: Finish with Sea Salt and Cool

Once out of the oven, let your bars rest for a few minutes before sprinkling sea salt flakes on top. The finishing salt enhances the caramel’s sweetness and adds beautiful texture. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan — this makes slicing clean, perfect squares much easier.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy!

Carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares of your desired size and get ready to enjoy a treat that tastes like fall wrapped in buttery, caramel magic. Every bite offers the perfect harmony of flavors that make this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe a new favorite to share.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce can add an elegant touch for serving. If you’re feeling festive, a few toasted pecans or walnuts scattered on top complement the bars’ texture beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic duo. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a cup of hot apple cider creates an inviting autumnal experience that’s hard to beat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the bars on rustic wooden boards for a charming dessert spread, or package small squares in pretty boxes for edible gifts. Layering them in a mason jar with whipped cream makes for an adorable grab-and-go dessert option, perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated where they’ll hold for up to a week without losing their tender, crumbly texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy bars warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Microwaves work in a pinch but may soften the crumble topping slightly.

FAQs

Can I use different apple varieties for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji add more natural sweetness. Mixing apples can create a balanced flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend on a 1:1 ratio. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the texture intact.

Can I prepare the crust and crumble ahead of time?

You can mix both the crust and crumble components and refrigerate them separately for up to 24 hours before assembling. This is a great way to break up prep if you are short on time.

What’s the best caramel sauce to use?

Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly, but for an extra special touch, homemade caramel will elevate the bars even further. Choose a sauce labeled ‘thick and pourable’ for easy drizzling.

How do I prevent the bars from being soggy?

Parbaking the crust and tossing the apples with flour helps prevent sogginess by setting the base and thickening excess juices. Letting bars cool completely before cutting also helps maintain structure.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about homemade Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. From the tender apples and buttery crust to the rich caramel and salty finish, these bars are sure to become a beloved classic. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be delighted with how easy and rewarding baking this treat can be!

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