Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall
Introduction
Fall baking is incomplete without apple desserts, and these Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a showstopper. Flaky buttery crust topped with spiced apple slices and drizzled with rich salted caramel makes them the ultimate cozy treat.
Perfect for autumn parties, holiday gatherings, or a simple family dessert, these bars balance sweet and salty flavors while giving you the comforting taste of fall in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, sliced thin)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Topping:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ tsp sea salt (for sprinkling over caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper. - Make Crust:
In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Mix until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla, mixing to form dough. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake 15 minutes until lightly golden. - Prepare Filling:
In a medium bowl, toss apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. - Assemble Bars:
Spread apple mixture evenly over partially baked crust. - Bake:
Bake 25–30 minutes until apples are tender and crust is golden. - Add Caramel:
Drizzle warm caramel sauce over bars. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. - Cool & Slice:
Let bars cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve at room temperature.
Extra Sections
Flavor Enhancements
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with white chocolate for a sweet contrast.
- Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg for deeper fall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with coffee or chai for cozy autumn vibes.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet afternoon treat.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Reheat slightly before serving to revive the caramel.
Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Buttery crust topped with spiced apples and drizzled with salted caramel, these bars are the perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Combine flour, sugar, and cold butter. Mix until crumbly. Add egg and vanilla to form dough. Press into pan and bake 15 minutes.
- Toss apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Spread over partially baked crust.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until apples are tender and crust is golden.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over bars and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
Perfect for fall gatherings and pairs beautifully with coffee or vanilla ice cream.
