Fall Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars 🍎🍁✨

1. Introduction

Welcome to your new favorite fall dessert — salted caramel apple bars. These caramel apple bars are a delightful combination of perfectly baked apple filling, creamy salted caramel, and a crumbly, buttery crust. They’re ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth during the fall season. With their irresistible sweet and salty flavor, these caramel apple bars are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at baking, this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to impress. For a variety of delicious fall-inspired desserts, you might also like our cozy apple brownies.

2. Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Bars

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled and sliced
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (for sprinkling)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for apple flavor)

3. How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars — Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Crust and Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until a crumbly mixture forms. Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes to set the base.

Preparing the Apple Filling

While the crust is baking, toss your sliced apples with cinnamon (if using). Once the crust has baked for 15 minutes, spread the apple slices evenly over the warm crust. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples, and sprinkle with sea salt flakes for that perfect salted caramel flavor.

Adding the Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the caramel and apples. This will add a flavorful crunch to your salted caramel apple bars. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.

Cooling and Serving

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve. For an extra touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce and sprinkle a little more sea salt on top before serving.

4. Storage Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Store any leftover caramel apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Keep in mind that refrigeration helps keep the apples fresh and the caramel set. To maintain the crispness of the crumble topping, reheat slightly in the oven before serving.

5. Serving Suggestions for Fall Fruit Bars

These fall fruit bars are perfect on their own or paired with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for extra indulgence. For a festive presentation, garnish with a few fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. They make excellent additions to holiday dessert tables or casual family gatherings.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Can I substitute other types of apples?

Absolutely! Use your favorite baking apples or mix varieties for a more complex flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice contrast to the sweet caramel, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala add extra sweetness.

Can I make caramel from scratch?

Yes, you can replace store-bought caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a richer flavor. There are many simple recipes available online that use sugar, butter, and cream.

How long does it take to make these caramel apple bars?

Including preparation and baking, the process takes approximately 1 hour. Active prep time is around 20-30 minutes, making it a manageable treat for busy days.

Are these bars suitable for gluten-free diets?

The recipe is not gluten-free as written but can be modified by using gluten-free flour and oats.

7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe

• CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – This comprehensive set makes baking easier with nonstick surfaces and even heat distribution, perfect for preparing the crust, topping, and caramel sauce.
• Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Useful for homemade caramel if you prefer to make caramel sauce from scratch.
• Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for chilling your caramel sauce quickly or making flavored apple drinks to serve alongside the bars.

8. Conclusion

Experience the delightful combination of sweet, salty, and fruity with these salted caramel apple bars. From the buttery crust and tender apples to the gooey caramel and crunchy topping, every bite is a celebration of fall flavors. This recipe is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for sharing during the cozy season. Give it a try today and enjoy a baking masterpiece that everyone will love!

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