Salted Caramel Apple Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars blend tender apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, buttery crumbly layers, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle. They come together quickly and offer a perfectly balanced fall treat that feels cozy whether served as a dessert after dinner or a sweet snack.

I first made these bars during a weekend baking marathon and they instantly became a family favorite. My kids love how the caramel adds a little surprise to the classic apple crumble.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: melted for rich flavor and tender crumble texture& choose good quality for best taste
• Granulated sugar: to sweeten the crust and topping& regular white sugar works well here
• Vanilla extract: to deepen sweetness and add aromatic warmth& use pure for the best result
• Salt: balances the flavors and enhances the caramel notes& regular table salt or sea salt works
• All-purpose flour: gives structure to the crust and crumb& spoon into the measuring cup for accuracy
• Apples: peeled and thinly sliced to ensure softness in each bite& tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add nice zing
• Ground cinnamon: brings classic warmth and spice to the filling
• Ground nutmeg: adds subtle depth and a hint of complexity
• Salted caramel sauce: either homemade or store-bought for that irresistible salty sweet finishing touch

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven temperature to 375°F or 190°C. Line a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make bar removal easy.

Prepare Crumble Mixture:

In a large bowl combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. Add the flour and mix gently but thoroughly until a crumbly texture forms. This mixture will serve as both the base and topping for your bars.

Form Base Layer:

Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it firmly and evenly onto the bottom of your lined baking pan. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to compact it well into a flat crust layer.

Prepare Apple Filling:

Place your peeled and thinly sliced apples in a medium bowl. Toss them evenly with ground cinnamon and nutmeg to coat every slice with spice.

Assemble Filling:

Spread the apple mixture in an even layer directly over the crumble base in your pan. Make sure the apple layer is uniform so the bars bake evenly.

Add Caramel Drizzle:

Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples. Try to distribute it fairly evenly for bites that have a little caramel hit throughout.

Top with Crumble:

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture all over the caramel and apples. Ensure the entire surface is covered, which will create a crunchy golden topping.

Bake the Bars:

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Watch for the topping to turn a warm golden brown and for the apples to soften underneath.

Cool and Serve:

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This helps them set properly and makes cutting easier. Once cool, slice into 24 bars and enjoy.

My favorite ingredient is the salted caramel sauce because it adds that perfect contrast to the sweet and spiced apples. A memorable family moment was when my kids helped drizzle the caramel across the bars and proudly declared them the best thing we’d ever baked together.

Storage Tips

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in a low oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be swapped for coconut oil for a dairy-free version but expect a slight flavor difference. Use apples that are fresh and firm& Braeburn or Pink Lady are also excellent choices if Granny Smith is unavailable. If you do not have salted caramel sauce, you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over regular caramel sauce before adding it to the bars.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert. They also pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of heavy cream. Perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea or a cozy weekend breakfast treat.

These bars are a delightful treat that balances simplicity with flavor perfectly. Enjoy baking and sharing them with loved ones.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What apples work best for these bars?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and provide a nice balance with the caramel's sweetness.

→ Can I make the salted caramel sauce from scratch?

Yes, homemade salted caramel can be prepared by melting sugar and combining with butter and cream, then adding sea salt to taste.

→ How do I achieve a crunchy crumble topping?

Use cold butter cut into the flour mixture and avoid overworking the dough to maintain a crumbly texture after baking.

→ Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture and even layering within the bars, though leaving skins adds extra fiber and texture.

→ How should I store the bars after baking?

Allow bars to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.