Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a delicious treat with tender apple chunks, a buttery crust, and a luscious swirl of salted caramel throughout. The perfect balance of sweet and salty makes these bars a standout dessert, especially when apples are fresh and at their best. Every bite has a wonderful mix of soft apples and gooey caramel that feels just right for any time of year.
I love making these bars when I want something that feels like comfort food but with a bit of a fun twist. The salted caramel adds just enough saltiness to make the flavors pop, and the apples bring a fresh, slightly tart note that keeps things interesting. One tip I’ve learned is to use good quality caramel—it really makes a big difference in how tasty the bars turn out.
These bars are great to share at family get-togethers or to bring to a potluck because they hold up well and are easy to cut into pieces. I usually enjoy them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which turns this simple dessert into something extra special. It’s one of those recipes that always gets compliments, and I find it hard not to go back for seconds myself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance the sweetness. Honeycrisp works too for a sweeter, crisp bite. If you prefer softer apples, try Fuji or Gala.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is key for a flaky crust and crumb topping. You can swap with vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Just keep it chilled.
Salted Caramel: Using quality granulated sugar and real butter makes a rich caramel sauce. If short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works fine. Add a pinch of sea salt yourself for that perfect salty-sweet punch.
How Do You Make Perfect Crumb Topping and Crust?
The secret is in keeping the butter cold and not overmixing. Here’s how:
- Mix dry ingredients first, then cut in cold butter until you get pea-sized crumbs.
- Reserve part of the crumbs for topping; the rest presses tightly as your crust.
- Press crust firmly into the pan for an even base that holds filling well.
- Bake crust partially before adding apples—you want it set but not browned.
This helps the crust stay crisp under the juicy apples and keeps the topping nice and crumbly. Patience here really pays off!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing into bars.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two for the crust mixture and apple filling.
- Pastry cutter or fork – helps blend cold butter into the flour for a crumbly texture.
- Medium saucepan – necessary for making the salted caramel sauce smoothly.
- Whisk or wooden spoon – to stir the caramel carefully without burning.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for peeling and slicing apples neatly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears for a softer, sweeter filling that’s less tart.
- Add 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Mix in 1 tsp ground ginger or cardamom with the cinnamon for a warm, spicy twist.
- Use salted butter to enhance the caramel’s saltiness even more.
Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Salted Caramel Sauce (plus extra for drizzling):
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 1 tsp sea salt (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
About 15 minutes to prepare the crust and apple filling, 15 minutes for the crust to bake, then 40-45 minutes to bake the assembled bars. Plus 10 minutes to make the salted caramel sauce and time for cooling before serving. In total, plan around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Take about 1 cup of this mixture and set it aside for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake it for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool a bit.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar, and flour. Mix everything well so the apples are evenly coated with the spices and flour.
3. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples like a topping.
4. Bake the Bars:
Bake the pan for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples feel tender when poked.
5. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
While the bars bake, melt the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will bubble and turn a deep amber color. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Then slowly pour in the warm cream, stirring all the while (it will bubble vigorously). Take the pan off the heat, stir in the sea salt, and let the caramel cool and thicken slightly.
6. Serve:
Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. Cut the bars into squares and enjoy! You can warm them a bit before serving or pair with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the bars soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the filling ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly in the microwave or oven before serving for best taste.
Can I Make the Salted Caramel Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel sauce a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave before drizzling over the bars.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Apples?
Pears are a great alternative for a softer, sweeter filling. You can also mix in some berries or chopped nuts into the filling or crumb topping for extra flavor and texture.
