ByOlivia Taylor

Salted Caramel Apple Bars With Buttery Crust The moment the sweet, buttery aroma of these Salted Caramel Apple Bars With Buttery Crust wafted from my oven, I knew I was in for a treat. I still remember the crisp autumn afternoon I first made these bars, surrounded by the vibrant foliage of my backyard, with…

Salted Caramel Apple Bars With Buttery Crust

The moment the sweet, buttery aroma of these Salted Caramel Apple Bars With Buttery Crust wafted from my oven, I knew I was in for a treat.

I still remember the crisp autumn afternoon I first made these bars, surrounded by the vibrant foliage of my backyard, with a basket of freshly picked apples from our local orchard.

As I took my first bite, the combination of tender apples, gooey caramel, and crumbly crust was pure magic. This Salted Caramel Apple Bars With Buttery Crust quickly became a cherished family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Bars With Buttery Crust

  • The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
  • A buttery crust that adds a delightful crunch.
  • Ready in just 45 minutes.
  • Foolproof recipe with easy-to-follow steps.
  • Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
  • 1 cup caramel sauce

The apples and caramel sauce are the stars of the show, providing a sweet and tangy flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. The buttery crust adds a delightful crunch that complements the tender apples perfectly.

Expert Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Apple Bars With Buttery Crust

  • Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the crust mixture to ensure a crumbly texture.
  • Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a salty-sweet contrast.
  • Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
  • Make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Variations and Substitutions

Try substituting gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, or add some chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch. For a bold flavor twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top.

How to Store and Reheat

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different apple varieties, but keep in mind that sweeter apples will result in a sweeter bar.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming too crumbly?

Make sure to not overmix the crust mixture and press it evenly into the pan.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, make ahead and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

I hope you love these Salted Caramel Apple Bars With Buttery Crust as much as my family does! Give them a try and let me know what you think.

✦ Recipe Card ✦

Salted Caramel Apple Bars

⏱️
PREP
20 mins
🔥
COOK
25 mins
⏰
TOTAL
45 mins
👤
SERVES
12 servings
🔥 Calories 420 kcal💪 Protein 24g🌾 Carbs 30g🫙 Fat 24g

🧂 Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
1 cup caramel sauce

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides.
  2. 2Melt the butter and sugars in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. 3Once the butter has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  4. 4Whisk in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. 5Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  6. 6Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
  7. 7While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, and corn syrup.
  8. 8Sprinkle the sea salt over the top of the apples and toss to coat.
  9. 9Remove the crust from the oven and sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top.
  10. 10Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the apples.
  11. 11Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
  12. 12Remove the baking pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  13. 13Once the baking pan has cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer them to a cutting board.
  14. 14Cut the bars into 12 equal pieces and serve.
🍴 Made this? Tag us — we’d love to see it!

What to Cook Next