Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe Delight

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the kind of dessert that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar with warm apples and a luscious salted caramel drizzle that takes everything to the next level. It’s like autumn wrapped in a cozy blanket, whispering sweet nothings to your senses.

These delightful bars remind me of family gatherings, where the aroma of baked apples mingled with laughter and stories. It’s the perfect treat for cozy nights in or festive occasions when you want to impress your guests with something special. Trust me, these Salted Caramel Apple Bars will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe combines ease with irresistible flavor; even novice bakers can master it.
  • The bars boast a rich texture and stunning visual appeal that will wow any crowd.
  • Perfect for fall gatherings or just because you deserve a sweet treat!
  • Plus, they can be served warm or cold, making them incredibly versatile.

I remember the first time I made these bars; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them, claiming they were better than any store-bought dessert.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it provides structure to the bars.

  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key! Regular sugar works perfectly here to balance flavors.

  • Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor to the bars.

  • Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness in your recipe.

  • Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to the bars.

  • Fresh Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith for their tartness and crispness; they hold up well when baked.

  • Salted Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, it’s the star of this dessert!

  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth; feel free to adjust according to your taste preference.

  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that ensures your bars rise beautifully during baking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Salted Caramel Apple Bars

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Create the Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This mixture should smell heavenly!

Add Wet Ingredients: Melt unsalted butter and let it cool slightly before adding it along with eggs into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep your crust tender.

Fold in Fresh Apples: Gently fold in diced apples into your batter until evenly distributed. The apple pieces should be coated in that sweet mixture—yum!

Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth out evenly. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top and a toothpick comes out clean.

Drizzle With Salted Caramel Sauce: Once cooled slightly, generously drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of your baked bars. You may want to let it ooze down the sides for maximum indulgence!

Now you have a tray of Salted Caramel Apple Bars that’s ready to steal the show! Enjoy them warm from the oven or at room temperature—either way, they’ll disappear fast!

You Must Know

  • Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, making them a fall favorite.
  • The delightful aroma of baking apples and caramel fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere.
  • These bars are easy to share and even easier to devour with friends and family.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust while you preheat the oven. Bake it until golden brown, then layer slices of apple before drizzling with salted caramel for a heavenly finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap apples for pears or add nuts for crunch. Spice things up with cinnamon or a splash of vanilla to elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store your salted caramel apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them; just warm slightly in the microwave before serving.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor.
  • When melting caramel, keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
  • Always let your bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Baking these salted caramel apple bars is a cherished tradition in my home. Each time I make them, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s laughter as we enjoyed warm slices topped with ice cream.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce saves time and still tastes delicious in this recipe.

What type of apples work best?

A mixture of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

How do I prevent soggy crust?

Bake the crust until golden brown before adding the apple filling to avoid sogginess.

Print

Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful autumn treat that harmoniously blends warm, spiced apples with a rich, indulgent salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet pick-me-up, these chewy bars will impress your friends and family alike. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature — either way, they’re guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups diced fresh apples (Granny Smith recommended)
  • ¾ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
  3. Add melted butter and eggs to the dry mixture; stir until just combined.
  4. Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly coated.
  5. Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling salted caramel sauce over the top.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in nuts or using a blend of sweet and tart apples. To prevent soggy crusts, ensure the base is baked thoroughly before adding apple filling.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating