Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall

ByAileenrecipes

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Introduction

As the air turns crisp and leaves begin their fiery transformation, the craving for warm, spiced desserts becomes undeniable. These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the ultimate homage to autumn, capturing the very essence of the season in every single bite. Imagine a buttery, shortbread-like crust, a thick layer of tender, cinnamon-kissed apples, and a generous crumble topping, all finished with a decadent drizzle of homemade salted caramel. This dessert is profoundly comforting and indulgent, with a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and salty flavors that will make it an instant classic in your home. It is the perfect project for a cozy weekend baking session, destined to become the star of any fall gathering, from holiday feasts to casual football watch parties.

Perfect for:

  • Autumn Holiday Feasts (Thanksgiving, Halloween)

  • Cozy Weekend Baking Projects

  • Potlucks and Bake Sales

  • After-school Snacks with a Hot Coffee

  • Holiday Gift Giving

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: This recipe goes beyond simple apple pie spice. The combination of tart Granny Smith and a sweeter apple variety, layered with cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg, creates a complex and deeply satisfying filling that is perfectly complemented by the rich, salty-sweet caramel.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Every component can be prepared in advance. The crust and crumble can be mixed and refrigerated days ahead, and the caramel sauce can be made and stored in a jar. Simply assemble and bake when ready, making it surprisingly manageable for entertaining.

Perfect Texture Contrast: The magic of this bar lies in its textural symphony. The base is firm and shortbread-like, the apple filling is soft and jammy, the crumble topping is crisp and buttery, and the caramel sauce adds a final, luscious note.

Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: A single batch yields a generous 9×13 pan of dessert, making it ideal for feeding a group. Its familiar, comforting flavors are universally adored by both adults and children alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus cooling time)
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Servings: 16 generous bars
Calories per serving: Approximately 380-420 calories

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):
Calories: 380-420 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 58g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 40g

Nutritional Disclaimer
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

  • 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

For the Apple Filling:

  • 6 cups apples (about 5-6 medium apples), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (use a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

  • ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature

  • 1 ½ teaspoons flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment paper.

  2. Make the Crust/Crumble Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, your fingers, or a food processor, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is about the size of peas.

  3. Par-Bake the Crust: Set aside 1 ½ to 2 cups of the crumble mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

  4. Prepare the Apple Filling: While the crust is baking, place the sliced apples in a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to coat. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.

  5. Assemble the Bars: Once the crust is out of the oven, spread the apple filling evenly over the hot crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumble topping over the apples, covering them completely.

  6. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is a deep golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges.

  7. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: While the bars are baking, prepare the caramel. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1 cup of granulated sugar, whisking constantly as it melts. Continue to cook until the sugar becomes a deep amber-colored liquid. Be careful not to burn it.

  8. Finish the Caramel: Once amber, immediately add the cubed butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Whisk continuously until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while whisking. Let the mixture boil for one minute, then remove from heat and stir in the flaky sea salt. Allow to cool and thicken slightly.

  9. Cool Completely: Once the bars are done baking, place the pan on a wire rack. Drizzle about half of the warm caramel sauce over the top. It is crucial to let the bars cool completely in the pan, which will take at least 2-3 hours. This allows the filling to set, making them possible to slice.

  10. Slice and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block of bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into 16 squares. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce just before serving.

How to Serve Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

  • As a Standalone Treat: Serve a bar on its own, slightly warmed, for the ultimate fall dessert experience.

  • A La Mode: Elevate it to a restaurant-quality dessert by serving a warm bar with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream.

  • With a Warm Beverage: Pair a bar with a hot cup of coffee, black tea, or a chai latte for a perfectly cozy afternoon break.

  • For a Festive Presentation: Arrange the bars on a beautiful platter and drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce for an impressive potluck or holiday party contribution.

Additional Tips for Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

  • For the best texture and flavor, use a mix of apple varieties. Granny Smith provides tartness and structure, while Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn add natural sweetness.

  • Do not skip the step of par-baking the crust. This ensures a crisp, firm base that won’t become soggy from the apple filling.

  • When making the caramel, ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature to prevent the caramel from seizing when combined.

  • Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool completely is non-negotiable for clean, neat slices.

Recipe Variations of Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Nutty Crumble Version: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the reserved crumble topping before sprinkling it over the apples.

Pear and Apple Version: Substitute 2 cups of the apples with an equal amount of peeled, diced firm pears for a more complex fruit flavor.

Dulce de Leche Shortcut: For a quicker alternative, you can use a high-quality store-bought dulce de leche or caramel sauce. Simply warm it slightly and stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt before drizzling.

Freezing and Storage for Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Storage: Store fully cooled bars (without extra caramel drizzle) in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The caramel sauce should be stored separately in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

Freezing: These bars freeze exceptionally well. Freeze the undrizzled, fully cooled bars in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The caramel sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section about Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned?
It is not recommended. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a much better texture and chew. Quick oats can become mushy.

My caramel sauce is too hard after cooling.
You can gently reheat it in the microwave in 10-second intervals or in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of additional cream to thin it out.

Why are my bars falling apart when I cut them?
This is almost always due to insufficient cooling time. The filling needs several hours to set properly. For the cleanest cuts, you can even chill the entire pan in the refrigerator for an hour before slicing.

Conclusion of Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of autumn in a pan. The process of making them is as rewarding as the final result, filling your kitchen with an aroma that is the very definition of comfort. With its foolproof method, make-ahead components, and unforgettable flavor profile, this recipe is destined to be a cherished seasonal tradition. It delivers the nostalgic taste of apple pie with the effortless convenience of a bar cookie, creating a dessert that is both impressive and approachable. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and savor the taste of fall.