Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in these scrumptious Salted Caramel Apple Bars that combine the warm, comforting flavors of fall with a rich layer of gooey caramel. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these bars will be the standout treat at your holiday table, leaving everyone craving more.

Ella

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-10-22T02:21:12.813Z

Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful blend of flavors that evoke the essence of fall. The gooey caramel adds a rich sweetness, perfectly complemented by the tartness of fresh apples.

The Perfect Fall Treat

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's nothing more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked apple bars wafting through your home. These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars beautifully capture the essence of fall with their rich apple flavor and delectable caramel topping. This dessert not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also evokes warm memories of gathering around the table with family during the holiday season.

What makes these bars truly special is their wholesome ingredients, which create a moist and tender base. The combination of butter and sugars results in a deliciously rich flavor, while the inclusion of fresh, crisp apples adds a delightful texture and natural sweetness. Each bite delivers the perfect harmony of tastes, making them an irresistible choice for your Thanksgiving dessert spread.

Simple Preparation for a Showstopper

One of the best things about these Salted Caramel Apple Bars is how easy they are to prepare. With just a few straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch that is sure to impress your guests. The recipe requires minimal active time, allowing you to focus on enjoying your festivities. The sweet and salty caramel sauce takes just minutes to prepare, adding an extra touch of indulgence without overwhelming the process.

These bars are not only easy to make but are also perfect for sharing. Whether you’re bringing a dessert to a potluck, serving them at a family gathering, or simply enjoying them at home, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient option for busy holiday schedules.

Serving Suggestions

These Salted Caramel Apple Bars can be served warm or at room temperature, but for an extra treat, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warmth of the bars and the coolness of the ice cream create a delightful contrast that amplifies the flavor experience. Alternatively, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch, making them suitable for even the most sophisticated gatherings.

For added richness, drizzle some extra salted caramel sauce on top before serving. It not only enhances the visual appeal but also amplifies the flavor, delivering that sought-after sweet and salty combination in every bite. These serving suggestions will elevate your dessert presentation and ensure that your Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the highlight of the meal.

Ingredients

For the Bars

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups peeled and chopped apples

For the Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Make sure to use fresh apples for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Make the Base

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.

Bake the Bars

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat until it turns a golden-brown color. Carefully stir in the butter and heavy cream, and then sprinkle with sea salt. Mix until smooth.

Combine and Finish

Once the bars are baked, pour the salted caramel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious Salted Caramel Apple Bars!

Storage Tips

To maintain the freshness and flavor of your Salted Caramel Apple Bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. When ready to serve, you can microwave individual portions for a few seconds to enjoy a warm treat, restoring their gooey texture.

If you want to make these bars in advance for holiday gatherings, consider freezing them. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and enjoy the same delicious flavor as when they were freshly baked.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties to find the perfect flavor combination that suits your taste. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel, while sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp can enhance the overall sweetness of the bars. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an aromatic twist, bringing in those classic fall flavors.

For a nutty crunch, consider folding in chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples. This not only adds texture but also introduces a depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel. You can also replace half of the apples with diced pears for a delightful variation that still celebrates the essence of autumn.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, pears or peaches would work well too!

Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Delight in these scrumptious Salted Caramel Apple Bars that combine the warm, comforting flavors of fall with a rich layer of gooey caramel. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, these bars will be the standout treat at your holiday table, leaving everyone craving more.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration35 minutes
Overall Time55 minutes

Created by: Ella

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 bars

What You'll Need

For the Bars

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup brown sugar
  3. 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  6. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  8. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  9. 2 cups peeled and chopped apples

For the Caramel Sauce

  1. 1 cup granulated sugar
  2. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  3. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 teaspoon sea salt

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 02

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.

Step 03

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 04

In a medium saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat until it turns a golden-brown color. Carefully stir in the butter and heavy cream, and then sprinkle with sea salt. Mix until smooth.

Step 05

Once the bars are baked, pour the salted caramel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Allow to cool before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250