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Craving a dessert that combines the comforting flavors of fall with a touch of indulgence? Look no further than these Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars! This recipe layers a buttery crust with a sweet and tangy apple filling, all drizzled with a homemade salted caramel that will have everyone begging for more. These bars are inspired by classic autumn baking, offering a delightful twist on traditional apple pie. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Perfectly balanced flavors: Sweet apples, rich caramel, and a hint of salt create an irresistible combination.
Easy to make: Simple steps and readily available ingredients make this recipe a breeze.
Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Make-ahead friendly: Prepare the crust and filling in advance to save time.
Comfort food at its finest: These bars evoke warm memories and cozy feelings.
Impressive presentation: The layered look and caramel drizzle make these bars visually stunning.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferred apple varieties or dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable salted caramel apple bars. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is simple and straightforward!

For the Crust:

All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (192g).
Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g), cold and cubed. Make sure it’s fridge-cold for the flakiest crust.
Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g).
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g).
Ice water: 3-5 tablespoons (45-75ml). Add just enough for the dough to come together.

For the Apple Filling:

Medium apples: 6, peeled and sliced. A mix of sweet and tart apples works best.
Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g).
All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons (16g).
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (3g). For a richer flavor, lightly toast the cinnamon in a dry pan before using.
Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (0.75g).
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Freshly squeezed is always best!

For the Salted Caramel:

Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g).
Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons (85g).
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120ml).
Sea salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g), or to taste. Coarse sea salt adds a delightful crunch.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake – A simple and delicious dessert that captures the essence of fall.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes baking so much easier. Here’s what you’ll need to create these apple bars:

Large bowl: For mixing the crust and apple filling.
Pastry blender or fingers: To cut the butter into the flour for the crust.
Plastic wrap: For chilling the dough.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key in baking!
Medium saucepan: For making the salted caramel. A heavy-bottomed pan prevents scorching.
Whisk: To ensure a smooth caramel.
9×13 inch baking pan: The ideal size for these bars.
Rolling pin: To roll out the dough. If you don’t have one, a clean wine bottle works in a pinch.

Recipe Details

Salted caramel apple bars, golden crust, gooey filling.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Difficulty: Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to bake the perfect batch of Salted Caramel Apple Bars. Each step is designed for clarity and success!

Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold!
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix; a shaggy dough is perfect.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough prevents shrinking during baking.

Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat evenly.
The lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright flavor.

Prepare the Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it is a golden amber color. Patience is key; don’t rush this step.
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted and smooth. Be cautious; the mixture will bubble.
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream (mixture will bubble). Slow and steady wins the race here.
Return to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the caramel is smooth and thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
Stir in the sea salt. Taste and adjust the salt level to your preference.

Assemble the Bars

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the bars from sticking.
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. Distribute it as evenly as possible.

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. This allows the filling to set properly.

Serve

Cut into bars and serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container.

CHECK OUT: Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars – Another delightful dessert bar recipe perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Success

Want to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a triumph? Here are some insider tips!

- Keep the butter cold: Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crust. If it gets too warm, the crust will be tough.

Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
Use a mix of apples: Combining sweet and tart apple varieties creates a more complex and delicious flavor.
Watch the caramel closely: Caramel can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it and stir constantly.
Let the bars cool completely: This allows the filling to set properly, making them easier to cut and serve.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to customize these bars to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Different apples: Try Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the apple filling.
Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple filling before baking.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Vegan: Use a vegan butter substitute and coconut cream for the caramel.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Salted Caramel Apple Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate the experience:

Vanilla ice cream: A classic pairing that complements the warm flavors.
Whipped cream: Adds a light and airy touch.
Coffee or tea: Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat.
Cider: A refreshing accompaniment that enhances the apple flavor.

Health Benefits

While these bars are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits! Apples are a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, and nuts provide healthy fats and protein. Remember, moderation is key!

Apples: Provide fiber and essential vitamins.
Cinnamon: Offers anti-inflammatory benefits and enhances flavor.
Nuts: Add healthy fats and protein (if added as a variation).

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to store and reheat your Salted Caramel Apple Bars to maintain their deliciousness:

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prevent a Soggy Crust?

Ensure the butter is cold, don’t overmix the dough, and pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling.

Can I Use Different Types of Apples?

Yes, a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji works best.

Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Yes, use a vegan butter substitute for the crust and caramel, and coconut cream for the heavy cream in the caramel.

How Do I Store Leftover Bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I Freeze These Bars?

Yes, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 25g
Protein: 4g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more delectable treats? Explore these other delightful recipes!

Apple Pie Crisp – A comforting and easy dessert with a crunchy topping.
Delectable Maple Apple Crisp – Enjoy the flavors of fall with this sweet and satisfying dessert.
Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding – A warm and comforting bread pudding infused with cinnamon and apples.

Conclusion

These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With layers of buttery crust, sweet apple filling, and luscious salted caramel, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whip them up tonight, and don’t forget to share your creation with us! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Happy cooking!

Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars