Caramel Apple Bar Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Salted Caramel Apple Bars: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you’re a fan of apple pie and love the rich, buttery taste of caramel, then you’re in for a treat. Salted Caramel Apple Bars combine the best of both worlds—imagine the flavors of a classic apple pie transformed into a convenient, handheld bar, perfect for any occasion. These bars start with a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a spiced apple filling, and finished with a golden brown sugar oat streusel. To take it over the top, everything is drizzled with a luscious salted caramel sauce that ties all the flavors together.

Why Salted Caramel Apple Bars Are a Must-Try Dessert

Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

Versatility: Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or just as a special treat for yourself, these bars fit the bill. They’re easy to transport, can be made ahead of time, and freeze beautifully.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and the sweet-salty caramel sauce creates a complex flavor profile that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Textural Delight: The contrast between the buttery, tender crust, the juicy apple filling, and the crunchy streusel topping offers a delightful variety of textures in each bite.

Ingredients Breakdown: Understanding the Components

Each layer of these Salted Caramel Apple Bars plays a crucial role in creating the perfect dessert. Let’s break down the ingredients and understand their importance.

For the Crust:

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup or 100g): Sugar adds sweetness and helps the crust develop a slight caramelization as it bakes, adding depth to the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups or 240g): The flour is the base of the crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (14 tablespoons or 198g, melted): Butter is key for the crust’s rich flavor and crisp texture. Using melted butter makes it easier to combine with the dry ingredients, ensuring an even, cohesive dough.

For the Apple Filling:

Apples (3 cups, about 3-4 medium apples, peeled and diced into 1/2″ pieces): The star of the show! Apples bring a natural sweetness and a juicy texture. Choose a combination of tart and sweet varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a well-balanced flavor.
Granulated Sugar (6 tablespoons): Sugar enhances the apples’ natural sweetness and helps create a syrupy consistency as the bars bake.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, complementing the apples perfectly.
All-Purpose Flour (6 tablespoons or 45g): Flour helps thicken the apple filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
Ground Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Nutmeg provides a subtle, earthy spiciness that rounds out the flavor profile.

For the Streusel Topping:

Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup or 107g, packed): Brown sugar adds a caramel-like richness and helps the streusel develop a golden, crispy texture.
All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup or 60g): Flour gives the streusel structure and ensures it clumps together nicely.
Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup or 57g, softened): Softened butter is essential for creating a crumbly, cohesive streusel. It binds the dry ingredients together while adding flavor and richness.
Old-Fashioned or Quick Cooking Oats (1/4 cup or 22g): Oats add a hearty texture and a slight chew to the streusel, contrasting nicely with the tender apple filling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making these bars.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly spray the lined pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. The key here is to ensure that the butter is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients, creating a uniform texture.

Press the dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Bake the crust for about 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. This step is crucial as it ensures the crust will be sturdy enough to hold the filling without becoming soggy.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. Start by peeling and dicing the apples into 1/2-inch pieces. In the same mixing bowl you used for the crust (less cleanup!), toss the diced apples with the sugar, cinnamon, flour, and nutmeg. The flour will help thicken the filling as it bakes, while the spices will infuse the apples with warm, comforting flavors.

Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and spread the apple filling evenly over the top. If you’re using homemade caramel sauce, drizzle it generously over the apples at this stage. If you prefer, you can also use store-bought caramel sauce—just make sure it’s of good quality and thick enough to coat the apples without running off.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

Next, it’s time to make the streusel topping. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, and flour. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter, two knives, or simply your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key to a perfect streusel is ensuring that the butter is evenly distributed, creating small, buttery clumps that will crisp up nicely in the oven.

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple filling. Be generous—this topping adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness that complements the tart apples perfectly.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The aroma of cinnamon and caramel wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period is essential as it allows the bars to set, making them easier to cut and serve.

When the bars are cool, use the overhanging foil or parchment paper to lift them out of the pan. Transfer the bars to a cutting board and slice them into squares.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the bars just before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a burst of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the caramel and the tartness of the apples.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a combination of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady are all excellent choices.
Measure Flour Correctly: To avoid a dense crust or streusel, make sure you’re measuring your flour correctly. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife.
Make Your Own Caramel Sauce: If you have the time, making your own caramel sauce can take these bars to the next level. However, store-bought sauce works perfectly well in a pinch.
Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting ensures clean, even slices and prevents the filling from oozing out.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

These Salted Caramel Apple Bars can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to make them ahead of time, they freeze beautifully—just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.

These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, drizzle them with extra caramel sauce just before serving.

Conclusion: A Sweet, Salty, and Satisfying Treat

Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a convenient, handheld form. With their buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and crunchy streusel topping, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars are guaranteed to impress. So why not give them a try and experience the magic of salted caramel and apples for yourself?