Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a sweet, chewy treat that combines tender apples with the rich, buttery flavor of caramel and a little kiss of salt to bring it all…
Tip: save now, cook later.Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a sweet, chewy treat that combines tender apples with the rich, buttery flavor of caramel and a little kiss of salt to bring it all together. The bars have a soft, crumbly crust with gooey caramel and juicy apple pieces nestled inside, making each bite a perfect mix of textures and tastes.
I love making these bars when I want a cozy dessert that everyone can enjoy without fuss. The nice thing about this recipe is that it’s easy to put together, but it feels like something special. I usually add a little extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top — it really makes the caramel flavor pop, and a little salty touch goes a long way to balance the sweetness.
These bars also travel well, so I like to bring them along to friends’ gatherings or family dinners. They’re great warm or at room temperature, and I often serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make the moment even sweeter. It’s hard not to smile when caramel and apples come together like this in such a friendly bar form!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like Granny Smith for their tartness and crisp texture, which balances the sweetness. Feel free to use Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, softer bite.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter helps create that crumbly crust and topping. If needed, salted butter can work but skip extra salt in the crust.
Caramel Sauce: Homemade caramel makes these bars special. If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce can be a good shortcut!
Spices: Cinnamon is key for warm flavor. Nutmeg adds depth but is optional. You can also add a pinch of cloves or allspice for variety.
How Do I Make Perfect Crumbly Crust and Crumble Topping?
The crust and crumble are made from the same mixture, so balance is important. Here’s what helps:
- Use cold butter and keep your fingers or tools cool to avoid melting it too soon.
- Cut the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits.
- Press most of the mixture firmly into the pan for a solid crust, but keep some loose crumbs for topping.
- Bake the crust briefly before adding filling; this helps keep it crisp, not soggy.
- Sprinkle topping evenly but gently over the apples and caramel so it bakes up golden and crunchy.
This method gives you a tender, buttery base and a crumbly, golden topping that contrasts nicely with the soft apple filling.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – It’s the perfect size to bake the bars evenly and gives nice thickness.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll use a few to mix crust, apples, and caramel separately for easy prep.
- Pastry cutter or fork – Helps cut the cold butter into the flour to make a crumbly crust and topping.
- Medium saucepan – Needed to carefully make the homemade salted caramel sauce without burning.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements of flour, sugar, and spices to get the texture right.
- Wire rack – To cool the bars completely so they set nicely before slicing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or a mix – Pears add a floral sweetness and keep the filling juicy but a bit softer.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts – They add crunch and pair wonderfully with caramel and apples.
- Stir in dried cranberries or raisins with apples – This adds pops of chewy tartness for extra flavor contrast.
- Use maple syrup instead of part of the caramel – Adds a rich, woodsy sweetness that complements fall spices well.
Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 3 large apples (like Granny Smith or a mix), peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or flaky salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of hands-on prep and mixing time. Baking takes around 35-40 minutes. Then you’ll want to let the bars cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. So total time is about 2 hours including cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well—this will make it easy to lift out the bars later.
2. Make the Crust and Crumble
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until you have coarse crumbs. Stir in brown sugar. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and vanilla extract, then add to the crumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined—it will be crumbly.
3. Press the Crust and Bake
Reserve about 1 ½ cups of this crumb mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Apples
In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are well coated.
5. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar while stirring constantly. When it turns a smooth amber color, carefully add the butter (it will bubble). Stir until melted, then slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Remove from heat, stir in sea salt, and let cool a little.
6. Assemble the Bars
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Drizzle about two-thirds of the salted caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly on top.
7. Bake the Bars
Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
8. Cool and Add Final Touches
Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack—this helps them set well. When cool, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt to enhance the salted caramel flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Cut into squares and enjoy! These bars are great on their own or served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra deliciousness.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bars soggy. Pat the thawed apples dry with paper towels before mixing with the other filling ingredients.
Can I Make the Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! These bars keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container and bring to room temperature or warm gently before serving. The flavors often deepen after a day.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They taste best within 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
What’s a Good Substitute for Heavy Cream in the Caramel?
You can use full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half as a substitute, but the caramel may be slightly less rich. Avoid low-fat or non-dairy milk as they might affect the texture and flavor of the sauce.
