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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced The main ingredients create the base of the bars. Flour and oats form a crumbly crust. The softened butter adds richness. Apples bring a sweet and tart flavor, while their texture contrasts well with the base. - ½ cup brown sugar - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon cinnamon These sweeteners enhance the taste of the bars. Brown sugar gives a deep, caramel-like flavor. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Vanilla extract brings warmth, and cinnamon adds a cozy spice. Together, they create a rich flavor profile. - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - ½ teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling) Caramel sauce is the star of this recipe. It adds a sweet, gooey layer that pairs perfectly with apples. A sprinkle of sea salt balances the sweetness. This touch of salt makes each bite even more delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Start by heating your oven. This ensures even cooking. Next, prepare your baking pan. Greasing it helps the bars come out easily. The parchment paper adds extra help. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This makes it easier to lift the bars out later. - Whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. - Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. - Combine wet and dry ingredients and prepare the base layer. In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. This mix gives your bars texture. Next, beat the softened butter with sugars until fluffy. This step adds air, making the dough light. Add an egg and vanilla to the butter. Mix until everything is combined. Gradually stir in your dry mix. Be gentle; overmixing can make the bars tough. - Press the base layer into the baking pan. - Toss apples with cinnamon and layer over the crust. - Drizzle caramel sauce and top with remaining oat mixture. Take half of your dough and press it into the pan. This forms a solid base. Chop the apples and toss them in cinnamon. Spread the apple mix over the dough. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce on top. This adds a sweet layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining dough over everything. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. - Cool and drizzle with remaining caramel and sprinkle sea salt. Now, place your pan in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top. This shows the bars are ready. Once baked, let them cool for about 15 minutes. Drizzle with more caramel and sprinkle sea salt before serving. Not overmixing is key to soft and chewy bars. Overmixing can make them tough. Mix the dough until just combined. When checking doneness, look for a golden top. Insert a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. To elevate the taste, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg. This spice pairs well with apples and caramel. You can also add bittersweet chocolate chips for extra richness. The chocolate will add a lovely contrast to the sweet caramel. For a beautiful presentation, serve the bars on a wooden platter. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with sea salt. This adds an appealing look and more flavor. Pair the bars with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This will enhance the dessert experience and add creaminess. Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Make Your Own Caramel: Homemade caramel sauce can enhance the flavor and allows you to control the sweetness. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the bars tender. Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, even squares. {{image_2}} You can make these bars fit your needs with simple swaps. For gluten-free bars, use almond flour or gluten-free oats. This still gives you a great taste and texture. If you want a vegan option, swap the butter for plant-based butter. You can also use an egg replacer like flaxseed meal or applesauce. These changes make the recipe friendly for many diets. To add a twist, think about adding nuts. Pecans or walnuts fit nicely in these bars. They add crunch and flavor. You can also try different fruits. Pears or peaches will work well if you want a change from apples. Each fruit adds its own unique taste. Homemade caramel sauce is easy to make and tastes great. Just cook sugar and water until it turns golden. You can then stir in cream and butter to make it rich. If you choose store-bought caramel, look for brands that use real ingredients. This will keep the flavor fresh and tasty. Always check the label for quality. To keep your salted caramel apple bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. This keeps moisture out and helps the bars stay soft. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. In the fridge, these bars last up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Freezing your salted caramel apple bars is easy. Follow these steps: 1. Cool Completely: First, let the bars cool all the way in the pan. This step is key. 2. Cut and Wrap: Once cool, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. 3. Use a Freezer Bag: Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. This helps you know how long they’ve been in the freezer. To thaw, simply move the bars to the fridge overnight. This way, they regain their soft texture. If you want them warm, you can heat them in the microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy your tasty treat! Yes, you can make salted caramel apple bars ahead of time. I suggest making them a day before you plan to serve. After they cool, wrap them well in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge. This way, the flavors blend nicely. For the best flavor and texture, choose firm apples. I recommend using Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. These apples hold their shape and add a nice tartness. You will love the contrast with the sweet caramel. To make homemade caramel sauce, follow these steps: 1. In a saucepan, melt 1 cup of sugar over medium heat. 2. Stir constantly until it melts and turns amber. 3. Slowly add ½ cup of heavy cream while stirring. 4. Remove from heat and add a pinch of salt. For a complete recipe, check out my caramel sauce guide. Yes, you can serve these bars warm. They taste great fresh from the oven. Just let them cool for about 15 minutes before cutting. This allows the caramel to set slightly. If you prefer them cooled, that is fine too! These salted caramel apple bars combine simple ingredients and easy steps. We discussed choosing the right apples, achieving a perfect texture, and storage tips. You can even try variations like gluten-free or vegan options. These bars are a delightful treat that’s both versatile and easy to make. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family, or savor them alone. With a little creativity, you can make this recipe your own. Get baking and enjoy delicious moments!

Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Delicious bars made with a buttery oat crust, filled with diced apples and drizzled with caramel sauce, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
  • Take half of the mixture (about 2 cups) and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
  • In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon until well coated. Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the pressed crust.
  • Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples, allowing it to seep into the layers.
  • Take the remaining oat mixture and sprinkle it over the apple and caramel layer for the topping.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Serve the bars on a wooden platter, drizzled with extra caramel and garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt for an appealing finish.
Keyword apple, bars, caramel, dessert