Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

There is something utterly magical about the blend of rich caramel and crisp apples baked into a tender bar, and that is exactly what you get when you make the Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe. Each bite melts in your mouth with the perfect harmony of buttery crust, warmly spiced apples, luscious caramel swirls, and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt that elevates the sweetness to an unforgettable treat. Whether as an afternoon snack or a dessert that steals the spotlight, these bars bring cozy comfort and sophisticated flavor to your table effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role, from the buttery base that ensures a tender crumb to the warming spices that make the apples sing, all culminating in a caramel finish that ties it all together.

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup melted: Adds richness and moisture with a creamy base for the bars.
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that golden crust.
• Brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Brings depth with a subtle molasses flavor and moisture.
• Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients together and create structure.
• All-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups: The fundamental base giving the bars their tender, cake-like texture.
• Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps the bars rise and stay light.
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
• Apples, 3 large peeled, cored, and chopped: The star ingredient, adding freshness, tartness, and that classic fall feel.
• Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Infuses the apples with warm spice and aroma.
• Nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle nutty, fragrant spice note.
• Caramel sauce, 1/4 cup: Brings luscious sweetness with a rich gooey texture.
• Flaky sea salt for topping: Adds a perfect contrast, enhancing the caramel and apple flavors.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Kick off this delightful baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave enough overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This simple step ensures your bars come out perfectly intact and ready to impress.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend forms a luscious, sweet foundation that will carry all the flavors of the bars beautifully.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time to the wet mixture, beating well after each addition. This careful process ensures the eggs are fully incorporated, creating a silky batter that bakes up tender and moist.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting prevents lumps and distributes the leavening evenly, setting the stage for light, fluffy bars. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring just until everything comes together.

Step 5: Spice and Prepare the Apples

Give your chopped apples a festive twist by tossing them with cinnamon and nutmeg until every piece is evenly coated. This aromatic spice blend warms up the fruit and complements the caramel perfectly.

Step 6: Fold the Apples Into the Batter

Gently fold the spiced apples into your batter, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed without overmixing. This step keeps the apples juicy and intact, ready to burst with flavor in each bite.

Step 7: Spread Batter in the Pan

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer. This helps the bars bake uniformly and look as inviting as they taste.

Step 8: Swirl in the Caramel Sauce

Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the batter. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the batter, creating beautiful ribbons of gooey sweetness throughout the bars.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This marks the moment when the bars reach that perfect balance of moistness and structural integrity.

Step 10: Add the Finishing Touch

As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle the bars generously with flaky sea salt while they are still warm. The salt not only enhances the caramel’s sweetness but also adds a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.

Step 11: Cool Before Serving

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. The rest time lets the flavors meld together and the bars set, making slicing easier and neater for serving.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Elevate your Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt or a light dusting of cinnamon makes it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or a rich coffee. For a brunch spread, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a savory cheese platter to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the bars into small squares and serving them on a decorative platter with mini forks for a party setting. You can also layer pieces between sheets of parchment paper and tie with rustic twine for delightful homemade gifts that wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Salted Caramel Apple Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer enjoyment, refrigeration will extend freshness up to a week, just bring them to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars ahead for busy days, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive that freshly baked feeling, warm the bars briefly in a microwave or a low oven setting. This softens the caramel and enhances the aroma, bringing back the cozy comfort in every bite.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully to balance the sweetness of the caramel, but you can mix in some sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp to add depth and softness. Just make sure to peel and chop them uniformly for even baking.

Is it okay to substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel?

Yes, homemade caramel adds a personal touch and can be customized for flavor and texture. Just ensure it’s thick enough to swirl and won’t run excessively during baking.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Adding a little xanthan gum may help with texture, but be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How do I prevent the apples from making the bars soggy?

Coating the apples in cinnamon and nutmeg helps reduce moisture release as they bake. Also, chopping the apples into small, uniform pieces ensures quicker cooking and less chance of sogginess. Avoid adding extra liquid to the batter for a perfect texture.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or bake in batches. Keep an eye on the baking time as it might increase slightly depending on the depth of the batter.

Final Thoughts

If you are craving a dessert that wraps you in cozy fall flavors yet dazzles with a sophisticated salty-sweet twist, you simply have to try the Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe. It’s one of those irresistible treats that brings warmth and joy to any occasion, made with straightforward ingredients and steps you can easily master. Happy baking, and even happier eating!

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