Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a sweet and slightly salty treat that brings together tender apples, gooey caramel, and a buttery crust in every bite. The soft apple filling is perfectly balanced by a sprinkle of sea salt, making these bars both rich and refreshing. They’re a simple, cozy dessert that feels just right for chilly afternoons or any time you want a little homemade comfort.
I love making these bars because the smell of baked apples and caramel fills the whole kitchen—it’s like a warm hug. One tip I always follow is to use crisp, tart apples to get that nice contrast with the sweet caramel. It makes the flavor pop in a way that’s hard to resist. Plus, the salted caramel drizzle on top is my favorite part to sneak while no one’s looking!
When I serve these bars, I like to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which makes the dessert even more special. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying slowly with a cup of coffee. Whenever I bring Salted Caramel Apple Bars to a gathering, they disappear fast—and I’m happy to have a slice for myself too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have Granny Smith, try Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a nice mix of tart and sweet.
Butter: Using cold, unsalted butter is key for a crumbly crust. You can swap for vegan butter if needed; just keep it cold to get the same texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used throughout, but you can swap some for brown sugar in the crumble for a deeper, richer flavor.
Salted Caramel Ingredients: Heavy cream makes the caramel smooth and creamy. If dairy-free, coconut cream can be a good alternative. Sea salt on top helps cut through the sweetness.
How Do You Make Perfect Salted Caramel Without Burning It?
Making caramel takes patience and care—here’s how to keep it smooth and avoid burning:
- Heat the sugar slowly over medium heat and stir constantly to prevent hot spots.
- Watch carefully as it turns a deep amber color—remove immediately to avoid overcooking.
- When adding butter and cream, be cautious as the mixture bubbles up rapidly; whisk constantly for smoothness.
- Use room temperature butter and cream to avoid splattering.
Taking it slow and steady helps you create that rich, velvety caramel that complements the apples perfectly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan – perfect size for these bars and easy to line with parchment for clean removal.
- Parchment paper – helps lift the bars out easily without sticking or breaking.
- Mixing bowls – at least two; one for crust and crumble, another for the apple filling.
- Medium saucepan – essential for making the smooth, homemade salted caramel sauce.
- Whisk – great for stirring the caramel ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Pastry cutter or fork – handy for cutting cold butter into the flour mixture to get a crumbly texture.
- Sharp knife – for slicing the apples thinly and cutting bars after baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap some apples for chopped pears – gives a sweeter, softer fruit mix that pairs well with caramel.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for crunch and a nutty flavor twist.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground ginger or nutmeg with the cinnamon to deepen the fall spice profile.
- Try drizzling white chocolate instead of caramel for a milder, creamy topping if you prefer less saltiness.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 45-50 minutes to bake. Plus, allow some time for the bars to cool before drizzling the caramel sauce—about 30 minutes. So, in total, expect to spend a little over an hour from start to finish.
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 some overhang on the sides to help lift the bars out later.
2. Make the Crust and Crumble:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Prepare and Add the Apple Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and flour until they’re well coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in your pan.
4. Add the Crumble Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apples. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
5. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
While the bars bake, prepare the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it becomes a deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to burn it! Immediately whisk in the butter until melted, then slowly add the heavy cream while whisking. Let the mixture boil for 1 minute, remove from heat, and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly.
6. Finish and Serve:
After the bars have fully cooled in the pan (about 30 minutes), drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, cut them into squares, and serve. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before tossing with the sugar and spices. This helps prevent the bars from becoming too soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make the Salted Caramel Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the caramel sauce up to a week in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed jar. Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave before drizzling over the bars.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream in the Caramel?
If you don’t have heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk is a great dairy-free substitute that will keep the caramel rich and creamy. Just make sure it’s well stirred before using.