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.

Rachel Green

Created by

Rachel Green

Last updated on 2025-12-19T16:31:00.900Z

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.

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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.

Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Duration45 minutes
Overall Time75 minutes

Created by: Rachel Green

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 bars

What You'll Need

For the Bars

  1. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  3. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  4. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  5. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  6. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  7. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  8. 1 large egg
  9. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  10. 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples
  11. 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Salted Caramel

  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

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.

Step 02

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.

Step 03

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.

Step 04

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