Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe. It perfectly marries tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery, soft batter that swirls with luscious salted caramel. With every bite, you get that satisfying blend of sweet, salty, and comforting fall flavors wrapped up in a bar that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a gathering, these bars truly hit the spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in flavor and texture. From the creamy butter adding richness to the warm spices that make the apples sing, every item brings something special to the table.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Provides a rich, moist base that keeps the bars tender and flavorful.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter without overpowering the natural apple taste.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a deep caramel flavor and moisture to the bars.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add structure for perfect texture.
• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The sturdy foundation that holds everything together perfectly.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bars rise just enough for a soft, yet firm bite.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the lovely flavors.
• Apples (3 large, peeled, cored, and chopped): The star ingredient offering juicy sweetness and crunch.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, spicy notes that amplify the apple’s charm.
• Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthiness to deepen the spice profile.
• Caramel sauce (1/4 cup): Swirled throughout for pockets of gooey, sweet indulgence.
• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to provide a delightful contrast and highlight the caramel.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Leaving some overhang on the sides will make it a breeze to lift out the bars once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This creamy blend forms a rich base that guarantees moist, flavorful bars.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step ensures a uniform texture and helps the bars set perfectly without being too dense.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough stirring to blend everything evenly.

Step 5: Spice the Apples

In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. This step infuses the fruit with warm, cozy flavors that elevate the entire bar profile.

Step 6: Fold the Apples Into the Batter

Gently fold the spiced apples into your batter, making sure they’re distributed evenly without breaking them up too much. These little pockets of fruit will provide bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 7: Spread the Batter

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula so it’s fairly even. This helps the bars bake uniformly and look beautifully inviting.

Step 8: Add the Caramel Swirl

Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Then, with a knife or skewer, gently swirl the caramel into the batter for those irresistible gooey streaks throughout the bars.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Look for golden edges and test the center with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 10: Salt and Cool

Right after pulling the bars from the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the warm top. This final touch brings that iconic salted caramel flavor to the forefront. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To amp up the indulgence, top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds an elegant finish perfect for sharing.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of chai tea or spiced coffee, which complement the autumnal spices and sweet caramel notes beautifully. For brunch or afternoon gatherings, serve alongside fresh fruit or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a festive platter dusted with powdered sugar and a few apple slices for a charming fall dessert display. Or wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine to gift to friends and family—they make an unforgettable homemade treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any uneaten salted caramel apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, ready for a quick snack or dessert anytime.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Warm them gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to regain that fresh-baked feel. You can also microwave individual bars for 20-30 seconds for a quick treat.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Crisp varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. Just pick apples that hold their shape well when baked for the best texture.

Is it okay to use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce is a convenient and tasty option. Just choose a high-quality sauce to ensure rich flavor. Homemade caramel works too if you prefer a personalized touch.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup the same. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best results.

How important is the flaky sea salt topping?

The flaky sea salt adds that signature salty-sweet contrast that highlights the caramel beautifully. While not mandatory, it truly elevates the flavor and adds a lovely texture to the finished bars.

Can these bars be made ahead for a party?

Definitely! These bars can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature or in the fridge. Just slice and plate them right before serving for a stress-free dessert option.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you make this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe, it’s going to become your new go-to whenever you want a cozy, irresistible treat. The balance of soft, spiced apples with decadent caramel and a hint of salt is pure magic in every bite. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did.

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