Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a sweet treat that combines the crispness of fresh apples with rich, buttery caramel and just the right touch of salt. The bars have a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a sweet treat that combines the crispness of fresh apples with rich, buttery caramel and just the right touch of salt. The bars have a soft, crumbly base with tender apple slices layered on top, all drizzled with gooey salted caramel that makes every bite extra special.
I love making these bars when I want something cozy but easy to grab, especially during fall when apples are at their best. The balance between the tart apples and the salty caramel is something I always look forward to—it’s a combo that never disappoints. If you’re like me, you’ll want to save a few for later because they’re hard to stop eating in one go!
My favorite way to enjoy these bars is with a cup of warm tea or coffee. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or just keeping on hand for a quick sweet break. Plus, since they’re cut into bars, they’re super easy to pack up for picnics or snacks on the go. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become one of your go-to treats!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance with the sweetness. If these aren’t available, Braeburn or Fuji work great too. Just slice them thin for even baking.
Rolled oats: They add lovely texture to the crust and topping. If you need gluten-free, look for certified gluten-free oats or swap with finely chopped nuts.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best so you can control the salt level, especially important with salted caramel.
Salted caramel: Homemade caramel is easier than you think and tastes better. For a shortcut, you can drizzle store-bought caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top.
How Do You Make Perfect Salted Caramel Without Burning It?
Caramel can be tricky because sugar changes quickly. Here’s how I keep it smooth and avoid burning:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly.
- Start heating sugar on medium, stirring constantly so it melts evenly.
- Stop stirring once the sugar starts melting and browning; swirl the pan gently instead.
- Add butter before the sugar turns too dark—this cools things a bit.
- Pour in cream slowly while stirring; it’ll bubble vigorously, so be careful.
- Remove from heat once everything combines and add salt to finish.
Patience during this process means your caramel will be silky and rich, perfect for drizzling on those apple bars.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect size for even baking and easy cutting into bars.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need at least two: one for the crumb mixture and one for the apples.
- Medium saucepan – Ideal for making the salted caramel sauce without burning.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – Great for stirring the caramel sauce safely.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For peeling, coring, and slicing the apples thinly and evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use pears instead of apples for a sweeter, softer bar that’s lovely in late season.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Mix in 1 tsp ground ginger or nutmeg with the cinnamon for warm spice notes.
- Swap the salted caramel for maple drizzle to give the bars a cozy, fall twist.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 40-45 minutes to bake, and additional time to let the bars cool and the caramel set, about 1 hour total before slicing and serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper leaving extra on the sides so you can lift the bars out easily later.
2. Make the Crust and Topping:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed. Take about 1 cup of this crumb mixture and set it aside for the topping. Press the rest evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until all the slices are well coated.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Layer the apple slices evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top of the apples. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
5. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
While baking, warm sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring—it will bubble vigorously. Let the sauce boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Allow to cool slightly.
6. Drizzle and Cool:
When the bars come out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares to serve.
7. Enjoy!
Serve these delicious salted caramel apple bars with a warm drink and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and fruity flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Apples Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent the bars from becoming soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving if you prefer them warm.
Can I Make the Salted Caramel Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the caramel sauce up to a week in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. Warm it gently before drizzling over the bars.
What’s a Good Substitute for Heavy Cream in the Caramel?
You can use coconut cream or half-and-half as a substitute, but note that the caramel may be slightly less rich and creamy.
