Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a delicious treat that combines the sweet-tart flavor of fresh apples with rich, gooey salted caramel, all layered on a buttery, crumbly crust. Each bite brings together the crispness of apple chunks and the soft, chewy caramel with just the right hint of salt to balance the sweetness. These bars feel like a perfect mix of classic fall flavors wrapped up in an easy-to-handle snack.
I love making these bars when I want something cozy but don’t want to fuss with a full apple pie. They’re straightforward to bake, and the salted caramel topping is always a crowd-pleaser. My favorite tip is to use tart apples—Granny Smith works great—because it adds a nice contrast to the sweet caramel and keeps everything from feeling too sugary. I also like to let the bars cool fully before cutting so the caramel sets up nicely.
These bars are amazing for sharing at casual get-togethers or packing into lunchboxes for a special afternoon treat. I often find myself grabbing a piece with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon, making it feel like a little moment of comfort. Plus, the combination of apples and salted caramel always sparks compliments, so they’re a great recipe to make when you want to impress without too much effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best here. They add a bright contrast to the sweet caramel and keep the bars from being too sugary. If you prefer sweeter, try Fuji or Honeycrisp.
Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is key for the crumbly crust and topping. You can swap salted butter but reduce extra salt in the recipe to keep flavors balanced.
Brown sugar: This gives the caramel a deep, rich flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with molasses, or use coconut sugar for a different twist.
Flaky sea salt: It enhances the caramel’s flavor and adds a nice texture. If you don’t have flaky salt, use regular table salt sparingly.
How Do I Make a Perfect Crumbly Crust and Topping?
The crumbly texture for the crust and topping is what makes these bars special. Here’s how to get it right:
- Keep your butter cold and cut it into small cubes before mixing.
- Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until you see pea-sized pieces of butter coated in flour.
- Don’t overwork the mixture; some larger butter bits help create that flaky, crumbly texture.
- Press two-thirds firmly into the pan for a solid base but leave the rest loose to sprinkle over the apples.
Taking these steps ensures a buttery, crisp crust that’s not tough or dense, with a delightful crumb topping that melts in your mouth.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking pan – perfect size for bars and fits well in most ovens.
- Mixing bowls – use one for dry ingredients and another for the apple filling.
- Pastry cutter or fork – helps blend cold butter into flour for a crumbly crust.
- Sharp knife or grater – for chopping or grating apples finely.
- Small saucepan – makes it easy to prepare smooth salted caramel sauce.
- Whisk or spoon – ideal for stirring the caramel without burning.
- Parchment paper – lines the pan for easy bar removal and cleanup.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Swap out apples for pears for a sweeter, softer fruit layer that pairs well with caramel.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom with the cinnamon for warm spice twists.
- Use maple syrup or honey in the caramel drizzle to give a natural sweetness with a different depth.
Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and finely chopped or grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (adjust to taste)
Optional Garnish:
- Coarse sea salt to sprinkle on top
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 50-55 minutes to bake, and at least 1 hour for the bars to cool and set, so plan for about 2 hours total to enjoy these delicious bars fresh!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Bake the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, then use a pastry cutter or fingers to mix until the texture looks like coarse crumbs with some larger pieces. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to make the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Apple Filling and Assemble:
In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and lemon juice until well coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the apples.
3. Bake and Prepare Salted Caramel:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the crumb topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbly. Meanwhile, make the salted caramel sauce: in a small saucepan over medium heat, stir brown sugar and butter until melted and bubbly. Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring. Let it gently boil for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla extract and flaky sea salt. Let cool slightly.
4. Cool, Drizzle, and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour to set. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the bars and sprinkle with coarse sea salt if you like. Cut into squares and enjoy your tasty salted caramel apple bars. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before using. Excess moisture can make the bars soggy, so pat them dry with paper towels for best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Salted Caramel Apple Bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If chilled, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make the Salted Caramel Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The caramel sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Warm it gently before drizzling to restore its smooth consistency.
What’s the Best Way to Cut These Bars?
Use a sharp knife to cut the bars once they’ve fully cooled and the caramel has set. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between slices to prevent sticking.
