Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe Easy Fall Dessert Idea

The warm aroma of caramel bubbling on the stovetop, mixed with the sweet scent of baked apples, is one of those smells that instantly says “fall.” These salted caramel apple bars are the ultimate treat for crisp autumn days, cozy evenings by the fire, or even a festive holiday gathering. I first whipped up this recipe on a chilly October afternoon, and let me tell you—it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s sweet, salty, gooey, and buttery, all at once. If you’re looking for an easy fall dessert that will wow your taste buds, you’ve found it!

What makes these bars special is the combination of flavors and textures. The soft, cinnamon-spiced apple filling is layered between a buttery shortbread crust and a crumbly topping, with a generous drizzle of salted caramel that ties everything together. Whether you’re serving these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or nibbling on one with your afternoon coffee, this recipe is pure autumn perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No fancy techniques or tools needed—just simple steps and straightforward ingredients.
• Perfect Fall Flavors: Apples, caramel, and cinnamon are a classic autumn trio, and these bars celebrate them in the best way.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s your family, friends, or coworkers, everyone will be asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
• Adaptable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store beautifully, so you can prepare them ahead for parties or gatherings.

Honestly, what’s not to love? These salted caramel apple bars strike the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting. Plus, they’re one of those recipes that make you feel like a baking pro without the stress.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a dessert that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Crust:
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of salt
• For the Apple Filling:
• 2-3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (I love using Granny Smith for their tartness)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• For the Crumb Topping:
• 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
• Pinch of salt
• For the Salted Caramel:
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Pro tip: Choose firm apples for the filling—they hold their shape better during baking and add a lovely texture.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to make these salted caramel apple bars. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• 9×9-inch baking pan (or an 8×8-inch works too)
• Whisk and spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Peeler (for the apples)
• Small saucepan (for making caramel)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)

If you don’t have a peeler, use a small knife carefully—it works just as well. And for the caramel, a heavy-bottomed saucepan is your best friend to avoid scorching.

Preparation Method

1. Prep the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix flour, sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt until it forms a crumbly dough. Press this evenly into your baking pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
2. Make the Apple Filling: Toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and brown sugar. Spread them evenly over the cooled crust.
3. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the apple layer, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
4. Bake: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove and set aside to cool.
5. Make the Salted Caramel: In a small saucepan, heat granulated sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns amber. Stir in butter, then slowly pour in heavy cream (it will bubble!). Stir until smooth and remove from heat. Add sea salt and let it cool slightly.
6. Drizzle & Serve: Once the bars are cool, drizzle the salted caramel generously over the top. Slice into bars and serve!

Tip: If your caramel hardens before you drizzle it, warm it gently over low heat until it’s pourable again.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Use Cold Butter for the Crust: It helps create that perfect crumbly texture.
• Don’t Overcrowd Your Apples: Arrange them in a single, even layer for consistent baking.
• Watch the Caramel Closely: Sugar can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so keep stirring and don’t walk away.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing: The bars hold their shape better once cooled, so resist the urge to cut them while warm.

Learning from my mistakes: I once skipped cooling the caramel before adding it to the bars, and it seeped everywhere. Lesson learned—give it time to thicken!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and topping.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with dairy-free alternatives and use coconut cream for the caramel.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• Seasonal Twist: Replace apples with pears or add a handful of cranberries for a festive touch.
• Extra Salted Caramel: Double the caramel recipe if you want to serve extra as a drizzle over ice cream!

My favorite twist? Adding a pinch of cardamom to the apple filling—it’s subtle but adds a warm, aromatic depth.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These salted caramel apple bars are best served at room temperature, but they’re equally delicious slightly warmed. Pair them with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A dollop of whipped cream
• A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them—just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these bars are indulgent, they’re made with wholesome ingredients:

• Calories: Approximately 250 per bar
• Apples: Rich in fiber and antioxidants
• Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Homemade Caramel: No artificial additives!

As always, enjoy these treats in moderation—but don’t be surprised if you want to sneak an extra piece!

Conclusion

These salted caramel apple bars are everything you could want in a fall dessert—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging at home, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite. I love this recipe because it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, and I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.

If you try these bars, let me know how they turn out in the comments below! Or share your own twist—I’m always excited to see how others make recipes their own. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making it from scratch?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works fine if you’re short on time, but homemade caramel gives the bars a richer flavor.

What type of apples should I use?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! They store well, so you can prepare them a day or two in advance and drizzle the caramel just before serving.

How do I keep my crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to cool the crust before adding the apple filling, and don’t skip pre-baking it—it helps create a sturdy base.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust baking times as needed—add an extra 5-10 minutes for even cooking.

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