Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a perfect treat that brings together sweet and salty flavors with a lovely mix of textures. Imagine juicy apples baked into a soft, tender bar with a drizzle of rich salted caramel on top, all resting on a buttery crust. It’s like autumn wrapped up in a bite-sized dessert—warm, cozy, and just a little bit fancy.
I love making these bars because they’re surprisingly easy to pull together, but everyone thinks you spent hours in the kitchen. The salted caramel adds a little extra touch that makes the apples really pop, and the hint of salt balances out the sweetness perfectly. Whenever I make these, they’re always the first thing to disappear at parties or family gatherings.
My favorite way to enjoy these bars is slightly warmed, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. They’re great for sharing, for gifting, or just sneaking as a personal treat. If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that blends simple ingredients with a bit of special magic, these salted caramel apple bars are sure to hit the spot.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work great because they hold their shape and balance sweetness. If you prefer sweeter, try Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just avoid very soft apples that get mushy when baked.
Rolled Oats: These add nice texture to the crust and topping. If you have gluten sensitivity, use certified gluten-free oats for a safe swap.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control salt better. For dairy-free, use a firm coconut oil, but the flavor will change slightly.
Salted Caramel: Making caramel from scratch adds great flavor. For a shortcut, you can use store-bought caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt on top.
How Can I Make Perfect Salted Caramel Without Burning It?
Caramel needs careful attention to avoid burning. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a light-colored pan to watch sugar melting.
- Melt sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent hot spots.
- When sugar turns amber, remove from heat quickly—caramel turns bitter fast.
- Add butter carefully; the mixture will bubble, so stir gently.
- Slowly add cream while whisking to keep it smooth.
- Finish with sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty balance.
Patience is key; keep an eye on color and temperature, and your caramel will be silky and delicious every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking pan – perfect size for sturdy bars and easy slicing.
- Parchment paper – helps lift bars out easily without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a couple to prepare crust and apple filling separately.
- Medium saucepan – for making smooth, homemade salted caramel sauce.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – to stir sugar and caramel without scratching.
- Sharp knife – for peeling and dicing apples evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a crunch that pairs well with the caramel.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins to the apple layer for a tart burst alongside the sweetness.
- Swap out apples for pears for a softer, sweeter filling with a delicate flavor.
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the apple filling to warm up the spice profile.
Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or a tart variety), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Optional:
- Sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 40-45 minutes to bake, plus some time to make the caramel and cool the bars. Plan for about 1 hour total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make removing the bars easier. In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks crumbly but can be pressed together. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In another bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour until everything is evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan.
3. Add the Topping and Bake:
Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the apples as a topping. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
4. Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce:
While the bars bake, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color—be careful not to let it burn! Once melted, carefully add the butter pieces and whisk until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Let the mixture boil for about 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the bars are done, let them cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and place on a cutting board. Cut into squares and drizzle with the salted caramel sauce. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if you like a little extra salty crunch. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture, which can make the bars soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the sugar and spices.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make the Salted Caramel Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the caramel sauce up to a week in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. Warm gently in the microwave or on the stove before drizzling over the bars.
What’s a Good Substitute for Rolled Oats in the Crust?
You can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand, though the texture will be slightly less chewy. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats or finely chopped nuts.
