Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the perfect mix of sweet and a little salty, with tender chunks of apple baked right in. Imagine a buttery crust layered with soft baked apples and a gooey salted caramel drizzle that makes every bite feel like a cozy treat.
I love making these bars when I want something easy to share but still special. They’re great for dessert or even an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. I find that the touch of salt in the caramel really brings out the flavors and makes you want just one more piece.
One tip I have is to use crisp, tart apples to balance the sweetness of the caramel—it gives the bars a fresh, bright feel. I always look forward to making these in the fall when apples are in season, but honestly, they’re so good I’d eat them any time of year!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are my go-to for these bars. They keep the apple layer bright and balanced against the sweet caramel. If you can’t find Granny Smith, try Braeburn or Honeycrisp.
Butter: Cold, unsalted butter is best for the crumb crust. It creates that nice flaky texture. You can use margarine in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
Salted Caramel: Homemade caramel sauce is simple here. If you prefer, store-bought caramel can save time. Just add a pinch of sea salt to get that salty-sweet combo.
Flour and Sugar: Standard all-purpose flour and both brown and granulated sugar give the crust and filling structure and sweetness. For a twist, you can try coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a subtle caramel note.
How Do You Make Perfect Salted Caramel Without Burning It?
Making caramel can feel tricky, but it’s mostly about attention and timing. Here’s how I avoid burning it:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat.
- Melt sugar over medium heat, stirring gently and constantly.
- Watch closely—once the sugar turns a deep amber, remove from heat immediately.
- Quickly stir in butter, then slowly add cream while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Finish with salt and let it cool a bit; it thickens as it cools.
Practice helps! Once you nail it, homemade salted caramel adds impressive flavor to these apple bars.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – perfect size for a good layer of crust, apple filling, and crumb topping.
- Parchment paper – makes lifting the bars out of the pan easy and keeps them from sticking.
- Large mixing bowl – great for mixing the crust and topping crumbs evenly.
- Medium bowl – for tossing the apple filling to coat it well with spices and sugar.
- Medium saucepan – the best tool for melting sugar and making smooth salted caramel sauce.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – helps stir the caramel without scratching your pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for getting the right amounts of ingredients.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans in the crumb topping for a nice crunch and extra nutty flavor.
- Swap tart apples for a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Fuji or Gala) to soften the tanginess.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground ginger or pumpkin spice for a warm, cozy twist.
- Stir mini chocolate chips into the apple filling for a touch of melty chocolate surprise.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and diced tart apples (like Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, 50 minutes for baking, plus some cooling time before adding the caramel and slicing. Overall, plan for around 1.5 hours from start to finish so the bars have time to set perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust and Topping:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the sides for easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it in until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Take about 1 1/2 cups of this crumb mixture and set it aside for the topping.
Press the rest of the crumbs firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Bake this for 15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Then remove it from the oven and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling and Assemble:
In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice to coat them evenly. Spread this apple mixture over the warm crust in an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the apples to form the topping.
Bake everything together for 45-50 minutes until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
3. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce and Finish:
While the bars are baking, melt the granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts and turns a deep amber color—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Remove from heat, then stir in the butter until melted and smooth.
Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring—it will bubble up, so be careful! Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth. Add sea salt to taste and let the sauce cool a bit.
Once the bars have cooled completely in the pan, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out, then slice into squares and serve.
Enjoy these delicious bars with their buttery crust, tender apple filling, and rich salted caramel topping—perfect for a cozy treat anytime!
For even more cozy fall flavors, try our decadent Pumpkin Pie French Toast for a comforting breakfast idea. You’ll also love the spiced sweetness of Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Glaze for an afternoon treat. And to sip alongside your bars, nothing beats a warm mug of Hot Mulled Apple Cider.
Can I Use Frozen Apples Instead of Fresh?
Yes, but be sure to thaw frozen apples completely and drain any excess liquid before using. This helps prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold—the caramel stays delicious either way!
Can I Make the Salted Caramel Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the caramel sauce a day ahead and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Warm it gently before drizzling over the bars for best results.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream in the Caramel?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the caramel may be thinner and less rich. For best flavor and texture, heavy cream is recommended.