Description
Delight in these irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars featuring a buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, a sweet caramel drizzle, and a crunchy crumble topping. Perfect for cozy autumn days or anytime you crave a sweet treat with a bit of salt to balance the flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Additional
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press and Bake Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a sturdy base. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, then remove from oven.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and 1/4 cup flour. This coats the apples to prevent excess moisture and infuses warming spice flavor.
- Make Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and the cold butter cubes. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like wet sand, creating a crumbly texture.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust in the pan. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apples for a rich, sweet layer.
- Add Crumble Topping: Evenly scatter the crumble topping over the caramel-drizzled apples to create a crunchy, buttery top layer.
- Final Baking: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
- Finish and Cool: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt flakes to add a delightful salty contrast. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for proper setting.
- Serve: Once cooled, cut the dessert into bars. Serve and enjoy these perfectly balanced sweet and salty treats!
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for best balance with the sweet caramel.
- Make sure to cool bars completely before cutting to maintain their shape.
- You can substitute store-bought caramel sauce or make your own for homemade flavor.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
