Salted Caramel Apple Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars capture the essence of autumn in every bite. The combination of tart diced apples, a buttery oat crumble, and rich salted caramel makes for a comforting dessert that’s perfect for cooler evenings or holiday gatherings. This recipe is inspired by cozy family memories and carries the nostalgic warmth of a kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples.

I remember helping my grandmother in her kitchen assembling similar apple desserts, and these bars remind me of those sweet moments. My family now asks for these every fall because they bring that same comforting feeling to our table.

Ingredients

• Allpurpose flour: provides structure and tenderness choose a fresh, unbleached variety for best texture
• Oldfashioned rolled oats: adds hearty texture and a rustic feel look for whole oats without any added flavoring
• Light brown sugar: gives a mild molasses flavor enhancing the crumble’s richness packed tightly for accurate measurement
• Ground cinnamon: offers warm spice essential for apple desserts use fresh and aromatic for fullest flavor
• Salt: a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors use fine sea salt for even mixing
• Unsalted butter: brings richness and helps bind the crumble opt for highquality butter for best taste
• Medium apples: choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp they hold shape and add tartness
• Granulated sugar: for sweetening the apple filling evenly
• Cornstarch: thickens the filling to prevent sogginess make sure it is fresh and lumpfree
• Lemon juice: brightens apple flavor and prevents browning fresh squeezed is ideal
• Granulated sugar for caramel: pure granulated sugar melts evenly to create the base of your caramel
• Heavy cream: adds silkiness to the caramel sauce use fresh or ultrapasteurized
• Sea salt: enhances the caramel’s flavor and adds a subtle crunch topping

Instructions

Prepare the Crumble Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed. Pour in the melted butter and stir gently using a wooden spoon or spatula. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pinched between your fingers. This base will provide a buttery, textured foundation for the bars.

Create the Base Layer:

Line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving some excess on the sides for easy lifting later. Take about two thirds of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a compact, even layer. This will bake into a crisp and sturdy crust so press firmly here. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool slightly before adding the filling.

Make the Apple Filling:

In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Make sure all the apple pieces are coated evenly to ensure balanced sweetness and spiced flavor. The cornstarch will thicken the juice released during baking to avoid a soggy crust.

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:

Place granulated sugar in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts and transitions from clear to a deep amber color. This step requires attention to avoid burning, so be patient. Once amber, remove from heat and immediately whisk in unsalted butter until melted. Follow by stirring in the heavy cream slowly until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Stir in sea salt and let the caramel cool for a few minutes so it thickens just slightly.

Add the Topping:

Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the apple filling spread evenly on the baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. The bars are ready when the topping is golden and bubbling around the edges.

Cool and Drizzle:

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is key as the caramel and filling firm up making slicing neater. Once cool, drizzle the remaining salted caramel over the bars and sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt if you like the extra crunch. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares to serve.

My favorite part is the salted caramel drizzle which cuts through the sweet crumble perfectly. It reminds me of chilly autumn afternoons spent baking with my grandmother and the joy of sharing something made with love.

Storage tips

Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld better after resting, so the next day’s bars often taste even more delicious. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for that freshbaked feel.

Ingredient substitutions

Feel free to swap rolled oats for quick oats if pressed for time, though texture will be softer. Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a deeper flavor. For caramel, substitute half and half if you do not have heavy cream the sauce will be slightly less rich but still tasty.

Serving suggestions

Serve bars as is with a dusting of powdered sugar or alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert twist. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee on a crisp afternoon.

These salted caramel apple crumble bars are a perfect cozy dessert for autumn gatherings. They store well and are easy to slice and share.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of apples work best?

Medium tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and balance sweetness, making them ideal for these bars.

→ Can I prepare the bars ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated, allowing flavors to deepen and improve.

→ How is the salted caramel sauce made?

Sugar is melted to a deep amber, then combined with butter, cream, and sea salt to create a smooth, rich caramel with a savory twist.

→ What gives the crumble its texture?

A mix of all-purpose flour and rolled oats combined with melted butter and brown sugar creates a buttery, crumbly texture that crisps when baked.

→ How should the bars be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture for up to two days.