Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh apples with rich, buttery caramel and a hint of salt to balance it all. These bars have a soft, crumbly crust layered with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a generous drizzle of gooey salted caramel on top. They’re the perfect mix of chewy and tender with just the right amount of sweetness.
I love making these bars when I want a dessert that feels cozy and seasonal but isn’t too fussy to put together. The aroma of cinnamon and caramel filling the kitchen while they bake always makes me excited to dig in. If you’re a fan of that classic apple pie flavor with a caramel twist, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box—I know they are in mine!
My favorite way to serve these bars is slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also travel well, making them a great option for potlucks or a sweet snack on the go. I find that the little touch of salt on the caramel really brings out the apple flavor and adds a wonderful depth to each bite. These Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a simple way to make any day feel a little more special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great because they hold their shape and have a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. If you can’t find these, Braeburn or Fuji are good substitutes too.
Rolled oats: These add texture to the crust and topping. If you prefer gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats or swap for more flour if needed.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over salt levels. You can use salted butter but reduce added salt slightly. For dairy-free, a firm plant-based butter works well.
Salted caramel sauce: Making your own caramel gives fresh flavor. If short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works, but add a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the taste.
How Do You Make Perfect Salted Caramel Without Mistakes?
Making caramel can be tricky because sugar can burn quickly. Here’s how to get smooth, rich caramel:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heating to avoid hot spots.
- Stir sugar constantly as it melts to prevent burning and clumping.
- Watch the color closely. Aim for a deep amber, but don’t let it get too dark or it will taste bitter.
- Add butter carefully and stir until melted before adding cream slowly.
- Expect bubbling when cream is added, this is normal—keep stirring until smooth.
- Remove quickly from heat once thickened and stir in salt to balance sweetness.
With patience and careful watching, you’ll have silky salted caramel to drizzle on your apple bars!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for making these bars evenly and easy to cut.
- Parchment paper – helps you lift the bars out easily without sticking or breaking.
- Large mixing bowls – great for mixing the crust and apple filling separately.
- Medium saucepan – needed to make the caramel sauce without burning.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – sturdy for stirring hot caramel safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get ingredient amounts just right.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – for peeling and dicing apples cleanly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pears instead of apples for a sweeter, softer fruit layer that pairs well with caramel.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a warm, spicy twist.
- Use maple syrup in the caramel sauce instead of sugar for a deeper, woodsy flavor.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt or ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 45-50 minutes for baking. Add about 10 minutes for making the salted caramel sauce and some cooling time before drizzling the caramel and cutting the bars. Plan for roughly 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust and Crumble:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your pan to make the crust. Keep the remaining crumbs for the topping.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In another bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. This ensures the apples are coated evenly and the flavors blend well. Spread this apple mixture on top of the crust in the pan.
3. Add the Crumble Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apple filling to cover it. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling apple filling as signs it’s done. Then, remove from the oven and let it cool.
4. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
While the bars are baking or cooling, prepare your caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring constantly. Watch carefully as it turns a deep amber color – this means it’s caramelizing. Next, add the butter pieces and stir until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously as it bubbles vigorously. Let the sauce boil gently for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt, then allow it to cool a bit.
5. Finish and Serve:
When your bars have cooled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. Cut into squares. If you like, serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the bars soggy. Pat the thawed apples dry with paper towels before mixing with the other ingredients.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to bring back the fresh-baked warmth.
Can I Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bars a day in advance and keep the caramel sauce separate. Drizzle the caramel just before serving to keep the topping from getting soggy.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream for the Caramel?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the caramel might be a little less rich and thick. Reduce the amount slightly and watch the sauce closely while cooking.
