Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars Easy Recipe Delight

Picture this: a cozy autumn evening, golden leaves swirling outside your window, and the enticing aroma of apple cinnamon wafting through your home. There’s something magical about this time of year, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of Salted Caramel Apple Bars? Inspired by my childhood tradition of visiting apple orchards each fall, these bars bring together the comforting flavors of tart apples, buttery crust, and rich salted caramel. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to become a favorite. The combination of textures and flavors makes these bars uniquely satisfying, capturing the essence of autumn in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salted Caramel Apple Bars recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. The buttery crust crumbles perfectly under the weight of cinnamon-spiced apples, while the gooey salted caramel offers a decadent twist that takes this dessert to another level. Each bite is a harmony of sweet, salty, and tart that’s reminiscent of homemade apple pie but in a conveniently hand-held form. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—from a casual family dinner to a cozy gathering with friends. You’ll appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together while making your home feel warm and inviting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• For the Crust:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for the bars, ensuring a firm yet tender texture.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, contributing to a buttery flavor.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and helps create a slight crispiness when baked.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • 1 large egg: Acts as a binder, helping to bring the crust together.
• For the Apple Filling:
  • 4 medium granny smith apples, peeled and sliced: Provides tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet caramel.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents apple browning and adds brightness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and a classic apple pie flavor.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor to the filling.
• For the Salted Caramel:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar: The base for creating homemade caramel.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the caramel a rich, smooth texture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the caramel flavor with a touch of savory balance.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and richness to the caramel sauce.

Optional Additions

• Chopped nuts: Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Vanilla extract: A teaspoon of vanilla in the apple filling can enhance the overall flavor.

Special Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop on top makes for an extra indulgent treat.
• Extra sea salt flakes: A sprinkle on the caramel topping adds visual appeal and enhances flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating these Salted Caramel Apple Bars is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps for delicious results:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. Bake the crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
5. Make the salted caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add sea salt and remove from heat. Allow the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling over the apples.
6. Assemble the bars: Pour the warm salted caramel over the apple layer, ensuring even coverage.
7. Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbly.
8. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, with optional whipped cream and a sprinkle of salt.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Salted Caramel Apple Bars are perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a sweet treat at home. Here are some serving and storage suggestions:

• Serving: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. A sprinkle of extra sea salt on top enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Helpful Tips

• Choose the right apples: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, which works wonderfully with the caramel.
• Don’t rush the caramel: Make sure to watch the sugar closely while it’s melting. Caramel can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
• Let them cool: Cooling the bars before slicing is crucial for clean cuts and easier serving. It also helps the caramel set nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a sweeter flavor. Consider combining different types of apples for a more complex taste.

How do I make my caramel thicker?

For thicker caramel, you can reduce the amount of cream slightly or cook the sugar for a bit longer before adding the cream and butter. Keep in mind that it will harden as it cools, so finding a balance between achieving the right consistency when still warm is key.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to serve these bars?

These bars are delightful on their own, but serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of additional caramel sauce makes them extra special. A sprinkle of sea salt can also bring out all the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

The Salted Caramel Apple Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful combination of flavors that captures the essence of autumn and evokes memories of cozy gatherings. With their buttery crust, tart apple filling, and luscious salted caramel, these bars provide a wonderful experience that you’ll want to share with others. So grab your ingredients, embrace the comforting aromas that will fill your kitchen, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious creation. We’d love to hear how your Salted Caramel Apple Bars turn out—share your experiences, tips, or any adaptations in the comments below! Happy baking!

Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars Easy Recipe Delight

Print Recipe

Try our easy recipe for irresistible salted caramel apple bars A delightful treat that combines sweet apples and rich caramel Perfect for all

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

4 medium granny smith apples, peeled and sliced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup unsalted butter (for caramel)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the egg and mix until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar until well coated. Spread the apple mixture over the cooled crust.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Add sea salt and remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling over apples.

Pour the warm salted caramel over the apple layer.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until apples are tender and caramel is bubbly.

Allow to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

• Author: souzanfood
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 300 calories
• Sugar: 30 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Saturated Fat: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 2 grams

Keywords: Salted Caramel Apple Bars, Apple Dessert, Fall Recipes, Autumn Desserts