If you’re a fan of the sweet and salty combination that makes desserts genuinely unforgettable, then these salted caramel apple bars will become your new favourite treat. Imagine the perfect bite: buttery crust, tender spiced apples, gooey caramel, and a crumbly oat topping with just a hint of salt. Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall gathering, a holiday party, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these bars are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make the best salted caramel apple bars. From the ingredients list and step-by-step instructions to helpful tips and storage suggestions, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Perfect Blend of Flavors
There’s something magical about the way the sweetness of caramel balances with the tartness of apples and the slight saltiness in these bars. Each bite is a perfect mix of flavours that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly autumn day.
Simple Ingredients, Extraordinary Results
You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to create something spectacular. With basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, butter, and oats, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible bars in no time.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you serve them as dessert at a dinner party or pack them for a picnic, these salted caramel apple bars are always a hit. They go perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of extra caramel.
Easy to Make
Don’t be fooled by these bars’ layered appearance. With a straightforward process and a few tips (which we’ll share below), you’ll have a tray of golden-brown perfection ready to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Before you get started, gather these essential ingredients:
- Apples : Opt for a firm, tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These types hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce, but for the best flavour, consider making your own. Homemade caramel sauce allows you to control the saltiness and ensures a rich, velvety texture.
- Brown Sugar and Oats : These two ingredients are key to creating a delicious crumble topping. The brown sugar adds a deep molasses flavour, while the oats provide a satisfying crunch.
- Butter, Vanilla Extract, and Cinnamon: Butter forms the base of both the crust and the crumble, while vanilla and cinnamon enhance the bars’ overall flavour.
- All-Purpose Flour: The flour helps bind the crust and topping, ensuring the bars hold their shape.
- Optional Add-Ins :You can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumble topping for an extra layer of flavour.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Follow these simple steps to create your batch of delectable salted caramel apple bars:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- To begin with, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the lined baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it turns lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before proceeding.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- While the crust is cooling, peel and slice the apples into thin, even pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, tossing until thoroughly coated.
- Evenly spread the apple mixture over the top of the baked crust.
Step 3: Drizzle the Caramel
- Warm your caramel sauce slightly if it’s too thick, then drizzle generously over the apple layer.
- Make sure to cover as much surface area as possible for that gooey caramel goodness in every bite.
Step 4: Add the Crumble Topping
- In a separate bowl, mix the oats, brown sugar, flour, and chilled butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the caramel-drizzled apples.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Put the dish back in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the apples become tender.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, even cuts.
Tips for the Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Bars
- Use Cold Butter for the Topping: Using cold butter is key to getting that perfect crumbly texture. If the butter is too soft, the topping may become greasy instead of crisp.
- Choose the Right Apples : Please avoid soft apples, as they might get mushy while baking. The best choices are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples.
- Let the Bars Cool Completely: It’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the bars calm ensures they hold their shape when sliced.
- Enhance the Flavor with Sea Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving enhances the salted caramel flavour beautifully.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Storing
- At Room Temperature: Keep the bars in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
- Refrigeration: To keep them fresh longer, store the bars in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for as long as three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving
- Savour these bars warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, for a truly indulgent treat.
- For an added indulgence, pour extra salted caramel sauce over the top.
- Perfect for fall picnics, holiday gatherings, or as a lunchbox treat.
FAQ Section About Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Can a different variety of apples be used for this recipe?
Yes, you can! While Granny Smith apples are remarkable for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavour. Just make sure to choose firm apples that hold up well during baking.
How do I store salted caramel apple bars?
Keep your bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen bars at room temperature.
Can I prepare these bars in advance?”
Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day ahead of time. Just let them cool completely before covering and storing them. If you prefer them warm, you can warm them slightly before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce to make a vegan version. Additionally, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for the caramel sauce.
Conclusion : Salted Caramel Apple Bars
These salted caramel apple bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a warm, comforting experience in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them on a crisp autumn afternoon or serving them at your next celebration, they’re bound to leave a lasting impression.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below and tag us on social media if you try this recipe!
Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium Granny Smith apples or any tart apple, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly or line it with parchment paper.
Make the Crust:
- Stir together the flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough becomes crumbly.
- Press the mixture down evenly into the prepared dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the top is a golden brown color. When finished, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
- As the crust cools, peel, core, and slice the apples into thin pieces. In a separate bowl, combine the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns amber. Stir in the butter and mix until everything is well combined. Slowly pour in the cream, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth. Remove from the heat and mix in the sea salt. Let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Bars:
- Once the crust is cool enough to handle, spread the apple mixture evenly over it. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples, ensuring it covers them evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping (made by combining oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter) evenly on top of the apples.
Bake the Bars:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples have softened. After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
- After the bars have cooled down, slice them into squares and drizzle with the remaining salted caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Caramel Tip: For an extra indulgent touch, you can double the caramel sauce and drizzle more on top before serving.
- Apple Varieties: While Granny Smith apples are great for a tart flavor, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples can give you a sweeter taste.
- Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for extended storage.