Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Fall Dessert

There’s something timeless about the combination of apples, caramel, and a touch of salt. Together, they create a perfect balance of sweet, tart, rich, and savory that feels like fall wrapped up in one bite. These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars take that classic pairing and transform it into a dessert that’s portable, indulgent, and ideal for sharing.

Imagine a buttery shortbread crust layered with tender spiced apples, topped with a crumbly streusel, drizzled with golden caramel sauce, and sprinkled with flaky sea salt. Each square delivers the cozy warmth of apple pie, the richness of caramel, and the satisfying texture of a bar. Whether you serve them at a holiday gathering, a casual potluck, or simply alongside your evening coffee, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

this Recipe

What Are Salted Caramel Apple Bars?

Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a layered dessert that combines multiple textures and flavors in one slice. The base is a buttery shortbread crust that holds everything together. On top, spiced apples are cooked until tender and juicy, delivering that classic apple pie flavor. A crumbly oat streusel topping adds crunch, while salted caramel sauce ties it all together with richness and decadence.

Unlike apple pie, these bars are easy to cut, share, and transport perfect for when you want something impressive but less fussy.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Flavor explosion: Sweet apples, warm spices, buttery crust, and salty caramel.
• Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves apple desserts, and this one stands out.
• Easier than pie: No need for rolling dough or dealing with pie crust.
• Versatile: Works as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast with coffee.
• Perfect for fall and holidays: A festive treat that feels seasonal and comforting.

How Do They Taste?

The flavor of these bars is nothing short of indulgent. The shortbread crust is buttery and slightly crisp, providing the perfect foundation. The apples are tender and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving that familiar apple pie warmth. The streusel topping is crunchy, sweet, and nutty, while the caramel drizzle adds luxurious richness. A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt balances the sweetness and elevates the entire dessert.

The result? A dessert that’s sweet, salty, warm, buttery, and unforgettable.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

While this recipe leans indulgent, many ingredients bring wholesome benefits:

• Apples: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Oats: Add fiber, texture, and a nutty flavor to the streusel.
• Cinnamon & spices: Provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Sea salt: Enhances flavor while providing trace minerals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling

• 4 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to thicken)

For the Streusel Topping

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Finish

• ½ cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Swap apples for pears for a twist.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for crunch.
• Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
• Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Use homemade caramel sauce for extra richness.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars

1. Prepare crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment. Beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add flour and salt. Press into the pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Cook apples: In a saucepan, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Cook until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in flour to thicken. Remove from heat.
3. Make streusel: In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
4. Assemble bars: Spread cooked apples over the crust. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over apples.
5. Bake: Return to oven for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Finish: Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over bars. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
7. Cool and cut: Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

What to Serve With Salted Caramel Apple Bars

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
• Fresh whipped cream for a lighter topping.
• Hot apple cider, chai tea, or coffee for a cozy drink.
• A drizzle of extra caramel sauce for ultimate indulgence.

Tips for Success

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness.
• Don’t skip cooling time; it helps bars set for clean slices.
• If using store-bought caramel, warm it slightly for easier drizzling.
• Toast oats lightly before making streusel for deeper flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using overly sweet apples, which can make the bars cloying.
• Overbaking, which can dry out the crust.
• Cutting bars too early—let them set before slicing.
• Skipping the sea salt, which is essential for balance.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
• Reheat bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to enjoy warm.
• Freeze (without caramel drizzle) for up to 2 months. Thaw, then drizzle caramel before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Yes, just choose a thick, quality brand.
Can I make these ahead? Absolutely—they taste even better the next day.
What’s the best apple to use? Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of both.
Can I make them nut-free? Yes, just leave out any nut additions.

Nutritional Info (approximate per bar, 16 servings)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 23g

Conclusion

Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars are everything you love about apple pie and caramel, made easier in bar form. With a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, crunchy streusel, and salted caramel drizzle, they’re indulgent, shareable, and perfect for fall gatherings.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday dessert table, a weekend treat, or simply because you’re craving something sweet, these bars will not disappoint. Serve them warm with ice cream for a truly decadent experience you may just find yourself making them on repeat all season long.

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August 28, 2025 by Melissa