Salted Caramel Apple Bars (Ready-to-Print Version)

Buttery bars layered with spiced apple and golden salted caramel for cozy autumn moments.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Crumble Base and Topping

01 - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (approx. 195 g)
02 - 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (approx. 135 g)
03 - ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed (approx. 150 g)
04 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - ¼ teaspoon salt
06 - ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted (170 g)

→ Apple Filling

07 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (approx. 450 g)
08 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g)
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch (3 g)
11 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice (5 ml)

→ Salted Caramel Sauce

12 - ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
13 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (43 g)
14 - ¼ cup heavy cream (60 ml)
15 - ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in melted butter until the mixture forms damp sand that clumps when pinched.
02 - Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Spread the mixture over the baked base.
04 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar while stirring continuously until deep amber. Remove from heat; whisk in butter, then heavy cream. Stir in sea salt until smooth. Cool briefly before use.
05 - Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apple layer. Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture on top. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
06 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Drizzle with remaining salted caramel and sprinkle flaky sea salt if desired before slicing.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Bars can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Flavors intensify with time.