Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the perfect treat for the fall season, combining sweet and tart apples with rich caramel and a hint of sea salt.
Fall is the perfect season for warm, comforting desserts. These Salted Caramel Apple Bars not only capture the essence of autumn but also deliver a delightful combination of flavors that will leave you craving more. With each bite, you'll enjoy the sweetness of caramel, the tartness of fresh apples, and a touch of salt to enhance the experience. Ideal for gatherings or simply a cozy night in, these bars are sure to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich caramel flavor with a hint of sea salt
- Soft and chewy texture with fresh apple chunks
- Perfect for sharing during fall festivities
The Perfect Fall Treat
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like indulging in a delightful dessert that embodies the essence of fall. These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars perfectly capture the season with their combination of sweet and tart apples, rich caramel, and a touch of sea salt. They are an ideal treat for cozy gatherings, family celebrations, and autumn festivities.
The warm spices of fall are accentuated in every bite, making these bars a comforting choice for any occasion. The sweet apple chunks combined with the chewy texture of the bars create a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone coming back for more. Whether you're hosting a harvest party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, these bars are sure to please.
Tips for the Best Bars
To ensure that your Salted Caramel Apple Bars turn out perfectly, it's essential to use fresh, crisp apples. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully, providing a balance of sweetness and tartness. Dicing the apples into small chunks allows for even distribution throughout the batter, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite.
Another tip is to be patient while preparing the caramel. Stirring continuously will help achieve that smooth, luscious consistency, and adding the sea salt at the end enhances the flavor profile beautifully without overpowering the other ingredients. Allowing the caramel to cool slightly before drizzling it on the bars will also prevent it from sinking too deep into the batter.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
These Salted Caramel Apple Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Simply wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be thawed at room temperature or warmed in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
When serving, consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Drizzling more salted caramel on top right before serving will also elevate the presentation and flavor. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, these bars are a must-have in your fall dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Salted Caramel Apple Bars:
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Salted Caramel Apple Bars:
Prepare the Caramel
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring continuously until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Set aside to cool.
Make the Apple Bar Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble and Bake
Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Drizzle half of the salted caramel over the batter, then spread the remaining batter on top. Finish by drizzling the remaining caramel over the top.
Enjoy your delectable Salted Caramel Apple Bars!
Why Salted Caramel?
Salted caramel has become a beloved flavor in the culinary world, bringing a unique balance of sweet and savory. The addition of sea salt to caramel enhances its richness and depth, making it a perfect complement to the sweet apples in this recipe. This combination not only heightens the flavor but also creates a delightful contrast in taste that keeps your palate intrigued.
Using high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and fresh apples, allows the flavors to shine through. The richness of the caramel combined with the tartness of the apples results in a decadent dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a treat that can be enjoyed by all ages, making it a versatile choice for gatherings.
Perfect for Fall Gatherings
Fall is synonymous with gatherings, and these Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests. Whether it's a family reunion, a Halloween party, or a cozy bonfire night, these bars are easy to transport and serve. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for a fun addition to any dessert table.
Additionally, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more quality moments with your loved ones without the stress of last-minute baking. Just warm them slightly before serving to bring out the flavors, and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears or even berries can be used for a different flavor.
→ How do I store leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
→ Can I make the caramel ahead of time?
Absolutely! The caramel can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall
These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the perfect treat for the fall season, combining sweet and tart apples with rich caramel and a hint of sea salt.
Created by: Imogen Price
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Salted Caramel
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and butter. Stir until melted and smooth. Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring continuously until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Set aside to cool.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the diced apples and walnuts.
Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan. Drizzle half of the salted caramel over the batter, then spread the remaining batter on top. Finish by drizzling the remaining caramel over the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan before slicing into bars.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g