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Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate than with these irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars? These bars are a symphony of sweet and salty flavors, combined with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery crust, followed by a soft, spiced apple filling, all drizzled with luscious salted caramel. Inspired by cozy autumn afternoons, these bars are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat just for yourself. Let’s dive into this delightful fall dessert!

Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Easy to Make: Simple steps for a stunning dessert.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet apples, rich caramel, and a hint of salt.
Comfort Food: Warm spices that evoke the feeling of fall.
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when needed.
Versatile: Adapt the recipe with different apple varieties or toppings.
Irresistible Aroma: Fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn.

Ingredients Needed

For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113g, 1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (about 500g), peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

When selecting your apples, choose varieties that hold their shape well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Feel free to mix and match for a more complex flavor profile. For the spices, consider lightly toasting them in a dry pan for a minute or two to enhance their aroma. You can usually find high-quality sea salt at your local grocery store or specialty food shop.

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Essential Equipment List

9×13 inch baking pan: For baking the bars to perfection.
Large bowl: Essential for mixing the crust and filling ingredients.
Medium saucepan: Used to create the delicious salted caramel.
Pastry blender or fingers: To cut the cold butter into the flour for a flaky crust.
Whisk: For smoothing out the salted caramel sauce.
Rolling pin: Used to roll out the crust dough. If you don’t have one, a clean wine bottle works great!

A good baking pan is crucial for even cooking, while a pastry blender helps achieve a perfectly crumbly crust. Each tool plays a vital role in the success of these Salted Caramel Apple Bars.

Salted caramel apple bars, ready to eat.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12-16 bars
Difficulty: Medium

This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings or halved for a smaller treat. The detailed steps ensure a delightful baking experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until well combined.
Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The colder the butter, the flakier your crust will be!
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; you want to retain some texture.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is essential for a tender crust.

Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Toss to coat evenly, ensuring each apple slice is covered in the spice mixture. Set aside while you prepare the salted caramel.

Make the Salted Caramel

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it is a golden amber color. This process requires patience, so don’t rush it!
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted and smooth. Be cautious, as the mixture may bubble up.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up) and whisk until smooth. The caramel should be rich and glossy.
Stir in the sea salt. Let cool slightly before using. Taste and adjust the amount of salt to your preference.

Assemble the Bars

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent 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 and press it into the bottom and up the sides.
Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

Add Filling and Caramel

Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust. Distribute the apple slices in a single layer for even baking.
Drizzle the salted caramel over the apples. Make sure to cover as much of the filling as possible for that perfect caramel touch in every bite.

Bake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
Let cool completely before cutting into bars. This allows the filling to set properly.

CHECK OUT: Apple Snickerdoodle Bars – A delightful twist on two classic treats.

Tips for Success

- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for a flaky crust. Keep it in the fridge until just before using.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, preventing the crust from shrinking during baking.

Close-up of a gooey salted caramel apple bar.

Use a Baking Thermometer: Ensure the caramel reaches a golden amber color without burning by using a candy thermometer.
Let Cool Completely: Patience is key! Cooling the bars completely before cutting ensures a clean, neat slice.

Variations & Substitutions

Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties like Braeburn or Gala.
Nutty Crust: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra texture.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the apple filling for a warmer flavor.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and heavy cream alternatives to make these bars vegan-friendly.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm, spiced flavors of the bars.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy touch.
Hot Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these bars with a warm beverage on a cozy afternoon.
Cider: A crisp glass of apple cider enhances the fall theme.

Health Benefits

Apples are a great source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels. While these bars are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the wholesome ingredients.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prevent a Soggy Crust?

Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork before adding the filling, and blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the apple mixture. This helps to create a barrier against the moisture from the filling.

Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.

Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and apple filling a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the bars just before baking.

What If My Caramel Is Too Thick?

If your caramel is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream and whisk until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I Add Nuts to the Filling?

Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be a delicious addition to the apple filling.

Can I Use Different Types of Flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version of these bars. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrate: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 30g
Protein: 4g

Please note that the exact nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Use a nutrition calculator for precise details.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more fall-inspired treats? Check out these amazing recipes:

Delectable Maple Apple Crisp – A warm and comforting dessert perfect for any autumn gathering.
Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Bread – Combine the flavors of snickerdoodles and pumpkin bread in this delightful loaf.
Apple Cinnamon Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping – A perfect breakfast or brunch treat, filled with apples and cinnamon.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the ultimate fall dessert. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Whip up a batch today and bring a taste of autumn to your kitchen!

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Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall