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Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars – A Cozy Fall Dessert

Fall baking wouldn’t be complete without apples, cinnamon, and caramel. These Salted Caramel Apple Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a gooey salted caramel drizzle on top. The flavors are cozy, warm, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like autumn heaven. They’re perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a sweet treat after dinner. Each bite is rich, gooey, and irresistible — the best of apple pie and caramel squares in one dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍏 Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 3 cups apples peeled and diced
🍯 Condiments:
  • ½ cup salted caramel sauce
🌿 Spices & Seasonings:
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍬 Sugars:
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
🧈 Dairy Products:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Saucepan (if making caramel sauce homemade)

Method
 

Step 1 – Make the Crust
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla extract, then mix in flour and salt until crumbly.
  4. Press ⅔ of the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan.
Step 2 – Prepare the Apple Filling
  1. In a bowl, toss diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg.
  2. Spread apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 3 – Add Topping
  1. Sprinkle remaining crust mixture over apples like a crumble topping.
Step 4 – Bake
  1. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and apples are tender.
  2. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
Step 5 – Drizzle Caramel
  1. Warm caramel sauce slightly for easy pouring.
  2. Drizzle generously over cooled apple bars.
Step 6 – Slice & Serve
  1. Cut into squares or bars.
  2. Serve warm or chilled with extra caramel on the side.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (without caramel drizzle).
Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
🥄 Variations
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Extra Gooey: Swirl caramel sauce into the apple layer before baking.
Glazed Bars: Mix a quick powdered sugar glaze for a sweeter finish.
Spiced Apple Bars: Add cloves or allspice for a deeper autumn spice.
❓ 10 FAQs
What apples are best for this recipe?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling makes the filling softer and smoother.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely — it makes the bars extra rich.
What if I don’t have salted caramel?
Use regular caramel and sprinkle sea salt on top.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day.
Do these bars need refrigeration?
Yes, because of the fruit and caramel topping.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, for a richer, deeper flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two pans or one larger pan.
Can I serve them warm?
Yes, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
How do I keep the crust from crumbling?
Press it firmly into the pan before baking.
🏁 Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Apple Bars are gooey, buttery, and filled with warm fall flavors. They’re the perfect dessert to share (or keep for yourself!) during apple season. Easy to make and always a hit, they’ll become your go-to fall treat.