Salted Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful treat that bring together the sweet, tart flavor of fresh apples with a rich, buttery caramel twist. The bars feature a tender crust that’s just the right amount of crumbly, layered with juicy apple slices and finished off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to make every bite perfectly balanced.
I love making these bars when the apples are in season because the fresh fruit really shines through the smooth caramel topping. A little tip: using a mix of sweet and tart apples gives the bars a nice depth of flavor that keeps each bite interesting. Plus, the salted caramel adds just enough saltiness to make this a snack you can’t stop reaching for.
These bars are great on their own, but I especially enjoy them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It turns a simple dessert into a cozy, comforting treat that’s perfect for sharing with family or friends on a chilly afternoon. Honestly, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe box, like they are in mine!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. Mixing in softer apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp adds nice complexity. If you’re short on time, pre-sliced apples work too.
Rolled oats: They give the crust a chewy texture and great flavor. Quick oats can work in a pinch, but the texture will be softer. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats.
Caramel sauce: Store-bought caramel saves time, but homemade caramel is richer and more flavorful if you want to make it from scratch. You can also use dulce de leche as a fun twist.
Flaky sea salt: This is important for that perfect sweet-salty balance. If you don’t have flaky sea salt, coarse kosher salt or even a pinch of fine salt sprinkled lightly works well.
How Can I Get the Perfect Crust and Even Apple Layer?
The crust is key to these bars—crumbly but sturdy enough to hold the filling. Here’s what I do:
- Mix melted butter with dry ingredients until it looks like wet sand; this ensures a tender crumb.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the pan to make a solid base. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to get it even all around.
- Arrange the apple slices evenly so every bite has fruit. Overlapping slightly is okay!
- Drizzle caramel gently—not too much or it can get soggy.
- Finally, crumble the remaining mixture on top without pressing it down so it stays crumbly and golden.
Baking until golden brown and letting the bars cool fully before slicing helps the layers set nicely, making clean cuts easier and preserving those gooey edges we love.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan – the perfect size for thick, even bars that bake well.
- Parchment paper – helps you lift the bars out easily and cleans up fast.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need these to combine dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, especially spices and salt.
- Sharp knife or mandoline – to slice the apples thinly and evenly for consistent baking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for mixing without mashing the apples.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apples for pears or a mix for a softer, sweeter fruit layer that still pairs well with caramel.
- Add chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) to the crust or sprinkle on top for extra crunch.
- Stir in a teaspoon of ginger or cardamom to the oat mixture for a warm, spicy note.
- Use white chocolate chips in place of some caramel drizzle for a creamy contrast.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust & Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For The Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For The Caramel & Finishing Touch:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling after baking)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, around 40 minutes to bake, and then about 30 minutes of cooling before you cut and serve. Altogether, plan on roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes to a delicious finished treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan and Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to make an even crust.
2. Add Apples and Caramel:
Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the crust layer. Drizzle half the caramel sauce over the apples, spreading it gently to cover.
3. Add the Topping and Bake:
Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the apples and caramel. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Once baked, immediately drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
4. Cool and Serve:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature. For an extra special treat, enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for These Bars?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture that can make the bars soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before layering.
How Should I Store Leftover Salted Caramel Apple Bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bake the bars completely, then wrap and store them. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat gently if you prefer them warm.
Can I Substitute the Caramel Sauce?
Yes, you can use dulce de leche, butterscotch sauce, or even a thick honey drizzle for a different twist. Just keep in mind the salt balance if you skip the salted caramel.