Fall baking wouldn’t be complete without the cozy, comforting flavors of apples and caramel. Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars bring these two classics together in a dessert that’s rich, chewy, and completely satisfying. With a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey apple-caramel filling, and a golden crumb topping sprinkled with flaky sea salt, these bars deliver the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, family gathering, or just to enjoy on a crisp autumn afternoon, these bars will quickly become a household favorite. They’re easy to slice, portable, and endlessly crowd-pleasing, making them a perfect choice for both casual snacking and festive occasions.
In this article, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions, offer serving ideas, share tips for success, and answer common questions so you can bake these bars with confidence.
Why You’ll Love Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars
- Cozy Fall Flavors – Apple and caramel are an autumn-perfect pair.
- Sweet and Salty – The touch of sea salt balances the richness beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleasing – Great for parties, holidays, or bake sales.
- Easy to Make Ahead – Bars can be baked and stored, ready when you are.
- Versatile – Serve warm with ice cream or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.
How to Make Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust – Stir together melted butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt until crumbly. Press half into the bottom of the pan to form a crust. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare apples – Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch.
- Assemble layers – Spread apple mixture over baked crust. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over apples. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Top with crumble – Crumble remaining dough mixture over the apples and caramel.
- Bake – Bake for 35–40 minutes, until topping is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Cool and slice – Let bars cool completely before slicing for neat squares.
What to Serve With Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic pairing with warm caramel apple flavors.
- Whipped Cream – Adds a light, airy touch.
- Coffee or Tea – Perfect balance for the sweet and salty notes.
- Hot Apple Cider – Double up on cozy fall flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars
- Choose the right apples – Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.
- Don’t skip the salt – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the caramel and keeps the bars from being too sweet.
- Line the pan – Parchment makes removing and slicing the bars much easier.
- Cool before slicing – Ensures clean cuts and helps the caramel set.
- Customize the flavor – Add chopped pecans or drizzle extra caramel on top for indulgence.
Storing Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration – Keeps up to 5 days; bars will firm up and be easier to handle.
- Freezing – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for preparing a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! A good-quality caramel sauce works perfectly, though homemade will give an extra-rich flavor.
What’s the best way to cut neat squares?
Let bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for clean edges.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Conclusion
Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars bring together everything you love about fall—juicy apples, buttery crust, gooey caramel, and a touch of sea salt to tie it all together. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on their own, they’re a dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.
Looking for more cozy fall treats? Try Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake, Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies, or Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins for your next baking session.
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour until crumbly mixture forms.
- Press half of the dough into the bottom of prepared pan to form crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss apples with cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Spread apple mixture evenly over crust. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining dough mixture over apples to form crumble topping.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Cool completely before cutting into bars.