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Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall

🍎 Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust & crumble:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • For the apple filling:
  • 3 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the caramel layer:
  • ¾ cup caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt plus more for topping
Optional toppings:
  • Extra drizzle of caramel
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease.
  2. In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix in flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining one-third for the crumble topping.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
  5. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle the ½ teaspoon of sea salt over the top.
  6. Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the caramel and apples.
  7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is bubbling.
  8. Let bars cool completely before slicing. Drizzle with more caramel and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired.

Notes

Let the bars cool for at least 1 hour before cutting for cleaner slices.
Tart apples (like Granny Smith) give the best balance of sweet and tangy.
These bars store well in the fridge for up to 4 days — enjoy warm or chilled.
Want to make your own caramel? Simmer ½ cup sugar, 2 tbsp butter, and ¼ cup cream until thick and golden.