Fall-Inspired Salted Caramel Apple Bars 🍏🍯✨
1. Introduction
If you love the cozy flavors of fall, then these Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a must-try dessert. Also known as salted caramel apple squares or caramel apple dessert bars, these sweet treats combine fresh apples, rich caramel, and a hint of sea salt for an irresistible fall fruit bar experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting weekend snack, these bars are easy to make and bursting with flavor.
2. Ingredients Needed for Fall-Inspired Salted Caramel Apple Bars
- 2 cups of peeled and sliced tart apples
- 1 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of flaky sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup of rolled oats
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Preparation of the Crust and Topping
Mix the dry ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until well combined.
Add the cold butter and oats
Cut in the 1/2 cup of cubed cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in rolled oats for added texture.
Press the crust
Press the crumb mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
Prepare the caramel sauce
Make the caramel
In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and cook until bubbly and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Set aside.
Assemble the apple topping
Layer the apples
Spread the sliced apples evenly over the pre-baked crust. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Bake the bars
Return to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbling.
4. Tips for Perfect Fall Fruit Bars
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast with the sweetness.
- Ensure the caramel sauce is thick enough to hold its shape after baking.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Sprinkle a little sea salt on top before serving for extra flavor enhancement.
5. Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store leftover salted caramel apple squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For softer, more caramelized bars, refrigerate. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
What are some other variations I can try?
Consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust topping or drizzling melted chocolate on top for extra decadence.
How long does it take to prepare and bake?
The total preparation and baking time is approximately 1 hour, making it a quick yet impressive fall dessert.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — This versatile prep tool will make slicing apples easy and quick, saving time and effort.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 — Perfect for warming up leftover bars or adding a crispy touch when reheating.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Keep your drinks chilled while enjoying these fall treats.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — A reliable cookware set for all your baking and caramel-making needs.
8. Conclusion
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of fall with these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Bars. Combining the tartness of fresh apples, the richness of caramel, and a touch of sea salt, this fall fruit dessert bar is an irresistible treat for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Easy to customize and simple to prepare, they’re sure to become a favorite in your seasonal dessert lineup. Try making these caramel apple dessert bars today and enjoy a taste of autumn in every bite!
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Fall-Inspired Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Delicious salted caramel apple bars combine tender sliced apples, rich caramel, and a crispy crust for a perfect seasonal dessert.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3 medium apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Arrange sliced apples evenly over the crust. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and sea salt.
- Bake for another 25-30 minutes until apples are tender and caramel is bubbly.
- Allow to cool before slicing. Serve with additional caramel or sea salt if desired.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor.
- Drizzle additional caramel before serving for extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 Kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg