Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh apples with the rich, buttery flavor of caramel, all topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt to make every bite pop. These bars have a soft, crumbly crust, a gooey apple filling, and that irresistible caramel drizzle that makes them truly special.
I love making these bars when I want something that feels cozy and homemade but also a little fancy. The salted caramel is like the perfect little surprise that balances the sweetness of the apples, and I always find myself sneaking a taste when no one is looking. If you’re a fan of apples and caramel together, this recipe is a winner.
The best part is how versatile they are—I like to serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or just on their own with a cup of tea. They work great for a casual dessert, a sweet snack, or even when you want to impress friends with something homemade but easy. These bars quickly become everyone’s favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are great here because their tartness balances the sweet caramel. If you don’t have Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Jonathan apples work too. Just avoid very soft ones that get mushy when baked.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is key for that crumbly crust. If you want dairy-free, swap with coconut oil or a vegan butter, but keep it chilled before mixing.
Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce for a shortcut or make your own for a richer taste. For a dairy-free choice, try caramel made with coconut milk.
Flour & Sugar: All-purpose flour and powdered sugar make the crust tender and sweet. You can try whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor but expect a denser crust. Brown sugar could replace granulated sugar for a deeper caramel note in the apple topping.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crumbly Crust and Topping?
The crust and crumb topping both rely on mixing cold butter into dry ingredients until the texture looks like coarse crumbs. Here’s how:
- Cut cold butter into flour and sugar using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers but work quickly to avoid melting the butter.
- You should see pea-sized bits of butter. This creates a tender, crumbly texture when baked.
- Reserve about one-third of this crumb mixture for the topping, pressing the rest firmly in the pan to form the bottom crust.
- Don’t press the topping too hard; it should remain crumbly and light.
This technique ensures the apples stay juicy but the crust stays crisp and buttery without becoming soggy or dense. Cold butter and gentle mixing are your best friends here!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing into bars.
- Parchment paper – helps you lift the bars out easily and keeps the pan clean.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need at least two for crust and apple mixture.
- Pastry cutter or fork – makes cutting cold butter into dry ingredients simple and quick.
- Sharp knife or apple peeler – to slice and prep apples thinly for even baking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap tart apples for pears or use a mix — pears add a soft sweetness and unique texture.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for crunch and depth.
- Mix in dried cranberries or raisins with the apples for extra bursts of sweetness.
- Stir a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger into the apple mix for warm spice notes.
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 powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For The Apple Filling:
- 2 cups tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake. You’ll also want to let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes before serving, so plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides to easily lift out the bars later.
2. Make the Crust and Topping:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Reserve about one-third of this crumbly mix for the topping and press the remaining two-thirds firmly into the bottom of the pan to make the crust.
3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, granulated sugar, and lemon juice until they’re all nicely coated.
4. Assemble the Bars:
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, spreading it gently. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top, pressing lightly to cover everything.
5. Bake and Cool:
Bake the bars for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to set.
6. Finish and Serve:
When cooled, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to add that perfect salty contrast. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan, cut into squares, and enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for These Bars?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the crust soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before mixing with the cinnamon and sugar.
How Should I Store Leftover Salted Caramel Apple Bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to revive the warm, gooey texture.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the bars and refrigerate them unbaked overnight, then bake fresh the next day for a freshly baked taste with less effort.
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Bars?
They’re delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also enjoy them plain with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
