These Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the perfect treat for fall! They have a buttery crust, sweet apples, and a drizzle of rich salted caramel that brings everything together.
Every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s a cozy combo that makes everyone smile! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the crust’s structure. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works great in most recipes!
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats add a nice texture. I like to use quick oats when I want a finer crumb topping, but know it will be denser. Regular rolled oats are generally preferable for this dish.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are tart, balancing the sweetness perfectly. Honeycrisp are sweeter and crispier. Use what you like best, or mix a couple of varieties for more complexity!
Salted Caramel: Making your own caramel is simple and rewarding. If you want a quick option, a store-bought salted caramel sauce can save time. Just remember to heat it gently before drizzling.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crust and Topping?
The secret to a great crust lies in mixing the ingredients just right. You want them crumbly but well combined. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Mix dry ingredients thoroughly before adding melted butter for even distribution.
- When pressing into the pan, make sure to compress firmly to create a sturdy base.
- For the crumb topping, don’t overmix after adding the butter. You want to keep some larger chunks for texture!
This technique helps your bars hold together when sliced and gives a delightful crunch on top! Enjoy baking your delicious bars with these handy tips!
Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (about 3 cups), peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are good choices)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 20 minutes to prep and around 40 to 45 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the bars to cool for about 20 minutes before drizzling with caramel. Overall, you’re looking at less than an hour and a half, including cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This will help you lift out the bars easily once they’re cool.
2. Make the Crust and Topping:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Next, pour the melted butter over the dry mix and stir until it looks crumbly and all the ingredients are moistened.
3. Press the Base:
Take about two-thirds of your mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will be the base for your delicious bars, so make sure it’s even and compact.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. This will add flavor to the apples. Make sure they’re well coated.
5. Layer the Apples:
Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly over the crust you’ve just created in the pan. It should cover the entire base nicely.
6. Add the Crumb Topping:
Now, crumble the remaining oat mixture over the apples. This topping will get nice and crispy as it bakes!
7. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and tender apples, so keep an eye on them.
8. Make the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
While the bars are baking, let’s whip up that heavenly salted caramel! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar while stirring constantly. You’ll want it to turn into a smooth amber-colored liquid—just be careful not to burn it. Once melted, add in the cubed butter and mix until it’s all melted together.
Slowly drizzle in the room temperature heavy cream while stirring. Let this bubble for about a minute, then take it off the heat and stir in the sea salt. Set it aside to cool slightly.
9. Drizzle and Cool:
Once the bars are out of the oven, let them cool for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, use the salted caramel drizzle generously over the top! This creamy goodness is the best part.
10. Slice and Serve:
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This makes them easier to lift and prevents them from crumbling. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, and feel free to serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Indulge in these bars and savor the delightful blend of warm apples, buttery crumb, and sweet, salty caramel. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying all by yourself!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use any apples you prefer. Try a mix of varieties for more depth of flavor!
Can I Use Oat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
You can substitute oat flour, but the texture will be different. It may result in a denser bar, so if you prefer lighter bars, consider using half oat flour and half all-purpose flour for the best of both worlds!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, and use maple syrup or a vegan-friendly granulated sugar instead of brown sugar. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream, and you’ll have a delicious vegan treat!