Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

If you’re dreaming of a dessert that captures the cozy flavors of fall and the perfect balance of sweet and salty, look no further than this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe. These bars bring together tender apples, a buttery crumbly crust, and luscious salted caramel to create a treat that’s as delightful as it is irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or a quiet night in, this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe will become your go-to dessert that everyone will be begging for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, combining to create a symphony of textures and flavors. From the buttery crust to the cinnamon-spiced apples and the silky salted caramel, simplicity is key here, but each component is vital to the overall magic of the dish.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy base and structure for the crust, ensuring it holds up to the apple filling.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples.
• 1/4 tsp sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and gives depth to the crust.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced: The heart of the bars, offering natural sweetness and a pleasing bite.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning while adding a subtle tart note.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: A classic spice that adds warmth and complexity to the apple filling.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for apple mixture): Helps thicken the apple filling so it’s nicely set.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Sweet, with deep molasses undertones, it’s perfect for the crumble topping.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes: Creates that irresistible crumbly texture when rubbed into the topping.
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce: The star of the Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe, bringing a luxurious, silky element.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes: Sprinkled on top to perfectly lift and balance all the sweet flavors.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper so the bars come out easily once baked. Getting this step right sets you up perfectly for the rest of the process.

Step 2: Make the Crust Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp sea salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until you see the mixture form coarse crumbs. This crumbly texture is what makes the crust both tender and sturdy enough to hold your delicious apple filling.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, until you see the edges turn a lovely light golden color. This first bake ensures a crisp crust that won’t get soggy once the filling is added.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the crust bakes, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and the 1/4 cup flour. The lemon juice helps keep the apples fresh and vibrant, the cinnamon provides warm spice, and the flour thickens the filling as it cooks.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

Combine the brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and cold butter cubes in a bowl. Use your fingers (this is the fun part!) to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles wet sand. This topping will add a perfect crunchy, caramelized finish to your bars.

Step 6: Layer Your Ingredients

Take the crust out of the oven and spread your apple mixture evenly over it. Next, drizzle the luscious caramel sauce over the apples, making sure to spread it around a bit for even coverage.

Step 7: Add the Crumble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the caramel-covered apples. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and apples are tender and bubbling. The aroma at this stage is pure comfort on a plate.

Step 8: Finish with Sea Salt Flakes and Cool

As soon as the bars come out of the oven, sprinkle the top with sea salt flakes. This final flourish heightens the caramel’s sweetness and adds that unforgettable salted crunch. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure perfectly set bars.

Step 9: Cut into Bars and Serve

When cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles, and you’re ready to serve this crowd-pleasing dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, fruity, and buttery goodness.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, you can sprinkle a few toasted chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for added crunch and depth. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the bars adds a creamy contrast that’s simply divine.

Side Dishes

These bars pair beautifully with hot beverages such as spiced chai tea, black coffee, or a rich hot chocolate. If you’re serving at a party, consider fresh fruit or a light salad to balance the richness of the dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the bars on a rustic wooden platter with caramel sauce drizzled artfully around. You can also lightly dust them with cinnamon powder for a cozy, homey look. If you’re feeling festive, add edible gold flakes for a special occasion sparkle that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making them even more delicious when enjoyed the next day.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat your bars in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave will soften them nicely, but the oven method ensures the crumble topping stays crisp.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully for balance, you can also use Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, juicier filling. Just adjust the sugar slightly if your apples are very sweet.

Is it possible to make the Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum or add a little to maintain the texture of the crust and crumble.

Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch and rich flavor. Just be careful with the sugar to avoid burning, and add a pinch of sea salt at the end for the perfect balance.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Baking the crust before adding the filling, as the recipe instructs, creates a sturdy base that holds up well. Also, coating the apples with flour helps thicken any juices that might otherwise seep in and cause sogginess.

What can I do if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease your baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking. However, parchment paper is great for easy removal, so it’s worth picking up if you plan to make these bars regularly.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe is truly one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The combination of juicy apples, sweet caramel, and salty crunch creates a harmony of flavors that’s so satisfying and comforting. I can’t wait for you to try making these bars yourself and see just how easy it is to wow your family and friends with this incredible treat!

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