Description
Buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and salted caramel combine in these irresistible apple bars. Perfect for fall!
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (192g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt
- 3–5 tablespoons (45-75ml) ice water
Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (3g) ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.75g) ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice
Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it is a golden amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream (mixture will bubble). Return to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel is smooth and thickened, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the sea salt.
- Assemble the Bars: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle slightly larger than the pan. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust. Drizzle the salted caramel over the apple filling.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
- Serve: Cut into bars and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
- Apple Variety: A mix of sweet and tart apples works best (e.g., Granny Smith, Honeycrisp).
- Crust Tips: Keep butter very cold. Don’t overmix the dough.
- Caramel Caution: Watch caramel carefully, as it can burn easily.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: apple bars, salted caramel, apple dessert, fall baking, dessert recipe
