Salted Caramel Apple Bars

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the way crisp apple bits nestle beneath a buttery crust, especially when they’re drizzled with rich, gooey caramel that’s been kissed by a hint of sea salt. Every bite of these Salted Caramel Apple Bars strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet, with the caramel’s silky sweetness enveloping the tender chunks of apple. The crumbly topping adds a delightful textural contrast, making each mouthful a little adventure for your taste buds. As you slice into the bars, you’ll notice the layers come together in perfect harmony: a golden base, a bubbling apple heart, and a crackly, caramel-studded blanket on top. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at an autumn gathering or simply craving a cozy treat at home, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Not only do these bars taste like a hug wrapped in pastry, but they’re also wonderfully approachable for any home baker, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned pro or giving dessert baking your very first whirl. With a Difficulty Level set to Beginner, you’ll breeze through the simple steps—pressing the crumbly dough into a pan, tossing apple cubes with lemon juice and cinnamon, and layering on that irresistible caramel drizzle. This recipe calls for just 20 minutes of hands-on prep and about 55 minutes of baking time, followed by a 30-minute rest to let everything set beautifully. The result? Sixteen bars, each about 250 calories, that shine as a Dessert or mid-afternoon indulgence, especially when paired with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, once you taste that sea salt mingling with caramel and apple, you’ll be coming back to this easy baking classic all season long.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN SALTED CARAMEL APPLE BARS

Before you dive into the delicious layers, let’s take a quick look at the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and balance, so gather them all before you begin your baking adventure.

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of both the crust and crumble, this flour creates structure and the tender, crumbly texture we crave.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps achieve a golden-brown color as it bakes.
• Sea Salt: A pinch in the crust ensures that the sweetness is balanced and never cloying.
• Unsalted Butter (melted): Brings rich, creamy flavor to the base, helping the flour-and-sugar mixture coalesce into an easy-to-press crust.
• Apples: Tart and juicy, the diced apples deliver that signature fall flavor and tender bite in every square.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents the apples from oxidizing and adds a bright, tangy note that lifts the overall sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the fruit layer with warm spice, enhancing the natural flavors of the apples.
• All-Purpose Flour (for coating): Lightly dusted on the apples, this flour helps thicken the fruit juices as the bars bake.
• Brown Sugar: Gives the crumble topping its deeper, caramel-like sweetness and helps it brown beautifully.
• Unsalted Butter (cold cubes): Rubbing these cubes into the flour-and-sugar mix creates that coveted “wet sand” texture for a perfectly crumbly finish.
• Caramel Sauce: The luxurious, velvety layer that ties everything together, offering rich, sweet notes with every bite.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkled on top, these flakes provide the final pop of salty contrast and visual appeal.

HOW TO MAKE SALTED CARAMEL APPLE BARS

These Salted Caramel Apple Bars come together in simple, rewarding steps. Follow along and you’ll have a beautiful, layered dessert ready to share with friends and family.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy lifting later.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even crust layer. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.

4. While the crust is baking, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and the reserved flour in a separate bowl until every piece is well coated.

5. For the crumble topping, mix the brown sugar and flour in a bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers to rub the mixture until it looks like wet sand.

6. Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked base and drizzle the caramel sauce in an even layer.

7. Top with the crumble mixture, spreading it gently to cover the apples completely.

8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

9. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Allow to cool completely in the pan—this ensures clean slices.

10. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, cut into 16 squares, and serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SALTED CARAMEL APPLE BARS

Now that your bars are baked to golden perfection, let’s talk about how to present and enhance them for maximum enjoyment. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet treat, these suggestions will elevate every bite.

• A la Mode Delight: Place a warm bar on a dessert plate and top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold makes each mouthful heavenly.
• Whipped Cream Crown: Dollop freshly whipped cream—lightly sweetened and dusted with ground cinnamon—for an elegant touch that complements the apples.
• Extra Caramel Drizzle: Heat a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce and drizzle it over each bar just before serving for an added layer of gooey goodness.
• Warm or Room Temperature: These bars are delightful straight from the oven when they’re still warm, but they also hold their buttery texture at room temperature—perfect for make-ahead entertaining.

HOW TO STORE SALTED CARAMEL APPLE BARS

Keeping these bars fresh and delicious is easy when you follow a few simple storage tips. Whether you plan to enjoy them over a few days or want to save extras for later, proper storage will lock in their flavor and texture.

• Airtight Container at Room Temperature: Once the bars have cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain that perfect crumble.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or prefer a firmer texture, store the bars in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Bring them to room temperature or warm briefly before serving.
• Freezer-Friendly: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently to revive the crisp topping.
• Individual Wrapping for On-the-Go: For quick snacks, wrap each bar in parchment paper or wax paper and seal in a resealable bag. This makes them easy to grab for lunchboxes or picnic baskets without any fuss.

CONCLUSION

With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and sweet-but-salty caramel blanket, these Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a dessert lover’s dream come true. From start to finish, the process is simple enough for a beginner yet results in a dessert that feels delightfully indulgent. You can print this article and save it for later, knowing that every detail—prep time, cooking time, ingredients, and instructions—is right at your fingertips. And if you’re someone who loves to plan ahead for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, trust that these bars will earn rave reviews with minimal effort.

Feel free to scroll down to find a FAQ section where you can uncover tips for substitutions, troubleshooting, and more. I’d love to hear how your bars turn out—so please leave a comment below with any questions, stories, or feedback. Whether you’re tweaking the spice blend, experimenting with different apple varieties, or drizzling on extra caramel, I’m here to cheer you on. Happy baking!

Print Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dessert

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 55 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr 45 mins

Calories: 250

Description

Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet caramel and tart apples enveloped in a buttery crust and crumble topping. A delightful dessert that pairs beautifully with ice cream!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄₂ cup granulated sugar

• ¹⁄₄ tsp sea salt

• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour (for apple mixture)

• ¹⁄₂ cup packed brown sugar

• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

• ¹⁄₂ cup caramel sauce

• ¹⁄₂ tsp sea salt flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, sugar, and 1/4 tsp sea salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and 1/4 cup flour until well coated.
5. For the crumble topping, mix brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and cold butter cubes in a bowl. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles wet sand.
6. Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
7. Top with the crumble mixture, spreading it evenly over the apples.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
10. Once cooled, cut into bars. Serve and enjoy!

Note

• These bars are perfect for autumn gatherings and festive occasions.
• You can use different varieties of apples for unique flavor combinations.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
• Store in an airtight container for up to three days for the best freshness.
• The combination of sea salt and caramel creates a delightful contrast that enhances the sweetness.

Keywords: salted caramel, apple bars, dessert recipe, fall treats, easy baking, caramel sauce