Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Indulge in the perfect fall treat with these Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars. A delightful blend of sweet apples, rich caramel, and a hint of salt, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's nothing quite like the aroma of baked apples and caramel wafting through your kitchen. These Salted Caramel Apple Bars capture the essence of fall in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, they offer a delightful combination of flavors that will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors
- Soft and chewy texture with a crispy top
- Easy to make and perfect for sharing
- Great for autumn gatherings or as a sweet treat
The Perfect Fall Flavor Combination
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there's nothing quite like the combination of apples and caramel to celebrate the season. These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars encapsulate the essence of fall, bringing together the tartness of fresh apples with the rich sweetness of caramel. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors that evoke warm memories of autumn festivals and cozy gatherings.
The addition of a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness of the caramel, creating a complex flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more. This sweet and salty balance is not only satisfying but also makes these bars a treat that appeals to a wide range of taste buds, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Easy to Make and Share
One of the best aspects of these Salted Caramel Apple Bars is how simple they are to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, you can whip up a batch in no time. The steps are straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Plus, the end result is nothing short of impressive.
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, a potluck, or just looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, these bars are perfect for sharing. Cut them into generous squares, and watch as they disappear from the platter. Their delightful combination of flavors and textures will have everyone raving about your baking skills!
Storage and Serving Suggestions
To keep your Salted Caramel Apple Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. The bars also freeze well, so you can make a double batch and save some for later enjoyment!
For an extra touch, consider serving these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of warm apple bars with cold ice cream creates a delightful dessert experience that’s perfect for any autumn occasion. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired, and don’t forget to share with friends and family!
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Salted Caramel
- 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 Caramel
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns golden brown. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add sea salt, mix well, and set aside to cool.
Make the Bars
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing well. Fold in the apples and cinnamon.
Bake the Bars
Spread the mixture into a greased baking pan. Pour half of the cooled caramel over the top and swirl with a knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and set. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Serve
Drizzle the remaining caramel over the cut bars and sprinkle with a bit more sea salt. Enjoy these delicious apple bars warm or at room temperature!
These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
What Makes This Recipe Unique
This recipe stands out due to its combination of texture and flavor. The soft and chewy interior of the apple bars contrasts beautifully with the crispy top layer, creating a delightful eating experience. The use of fresh, diced apples ensures that each bite is bursting with fruity goodness, while the salted caramel adds a luxurious touch that elevates the entire dessert.
Furthermore, the balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and granulated sugar, paired with the warmth of cinnamon, makes these bars a quintessential fall treat. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or sharing them at a gathering, they are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite.
Tips for Perfect Bars
To achieve the best results, make sure to use firm, fresh apples that will hold their shape during baking. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work particularly well, as they provide a nice tartness that complements the sweet caramel. Additionally, be mindful not to overmix the batter when adding the dry ingredients, as this can lead to dense bars.
For an added layer of flavor, consider incorporating chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the batter. They add a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft apples and creamy caramel. Lastly, for the perfect finish, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges and a beautiful presentation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
→ How do I store leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
→ Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ Is it possible to make the caramel in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the caramel ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall
Indulge in the perfect fall treat with these Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars. A delightful blend of sweet apples, rich caramel, and a hint of salt, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Created by: Rachel Green
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar until it turns golden brown. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add sea salt, mix well, and set aside to cool.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing well. Fold in the apples and cinnamon.
Spread the mixture into a greased baking pan. Pour half of the cooled caramel over the top and swirl with a knife. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and set. Allow to cool in the pan before cutting into bars.
Drizzle the remaining caramel over the cut bars and sprinkle with a bit more sea salt. Enjoy these delicious apple bars warm or at room temperature!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 2g