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Close-up of delicious homemade Salted Caramel Apple Bars, perfect for fall baking.

Salted Caramel Apple Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a symphony of sweet and tart apples nestled under a blanket of decadent salted caramel, all on a buttery, crumbly crust. This recipe provides a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for crust
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for crust
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for crust
  • 4-6 tablespoons ice water for crust
  • 4 medium apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced (for filling
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar for filling
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for filling
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for filling
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for filling
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice for filling
  • 1 cup granulated sugar for caramel
  • 1/4 cup water for caramel
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed for caramel
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling for caramel
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for crumble topping
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar for crumble topping
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats for crumble topping
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon for crumble topping

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large bowl
  • Medium bowl
  • Pastry blender or fingertips
  • Food processor (optional)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rolling Pin
  • Fork
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Oven
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. **Making the Crust:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor, pulsing until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9x13 inch baking pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and press it into the bottom and up the sides.
  7. Dock the crust with a fork (poke holes in the bottom) to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
  8. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
  9. **Preparing the Apple Filling:** While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
  10. **Crafting the Salted Caramel Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture turns a deep amber color.
  11. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the warmed heavy cream. Be prepared for it to bubble up vigorously.
  12. Add the butter and salt and whisk until smooth and creamy. If the caramel seizes up, return the saucepan to low heat and whisk constantly until it smooths out.
  13. **Assembling the Apple Bars:** Pour the apple filling over the pre-baked crust.
  14. Pour half of the salted caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling. Reserve the remaining caramel sauce for drizzling later.
  15. If using, prepare the crumble topping. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and cold butter. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  16. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
  17. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping (if using) is golden brown.
  18. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Drizzle with the remaining salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before serving.

Notes

For best results, use cold butter and ice water when making the crust. The crust and apple filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. The salted caramel sauce can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, gently reheating before drizzling. Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Experiment with different apple varieties such as Granny Smith for extra tartness, or add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra texture and flavor.