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Salted Caramel Apple Bars

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These salted caramel apple bars feature a buttery crust, gooey homemade salted caramel, and spiced apples for the ultimate easy fall dessert. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings, they’re simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3–4 medium apples (about 500g), peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • Pinch of fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (for caramel)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened (for caramel)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon; adjust to taste)
  • Extra flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
  3. Add 1 cup cold, cubed butter. Cut it in using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press about 2/3 of this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Set the rest aside for the topping.
  5. In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (if using), a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
  6. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
  7. For the caramel: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup sugar, stirring constantly until it melts into a deep amber liquid. Add 2 tablespoons butter, stirring until melted. Slowly pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream (it will bubble), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Let cool for 3–5 minutes.
  8. Drizzle the slightly cooled caramel evenly over the apples.
  9. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top. Press down gently.
  10. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling at the edges. Check at 30 minutes and tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  11. Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 1 hour. Lift out using the parchment and slice into 20–24 squares.
  12. Sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free bars, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and coconut cream in the caramel. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Bars freeze well for up to 2 months. Let bars cool fully before slicing for clean edges. If caramel seizes, add a splash of cream and gently reheat. For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple layer.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel apple bars, fall dessert, apple bars, caramel apple bars, easy dessert, party dessert, apple recipes, caramel recipes, autumn baking, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/salted-caramel-apple-bars-recipe-easy-fall-dessert-for-parties/