Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall are a perfect treat to celebrate the cozy season. These bars combine tender chunks of sweet, tart apples with a buttery crust and a rich drizzle of salted caramel that adds just the right hint of salty sweetness. The texture is a lovely mix of soft and chewy with a bit of crisp from the caramel topping.
I love making these bars when the weather starts to cool down and apples are everywhere. There’s something so comforting about the smell of baked apples and caramel filling the kitchen—it always makes me feel like fall is truly here. I usually use Granny Smith apples for a nice balance of tartness, but any apple you like will work. A little tip I’ve learned is to warm the caramel slightly before drizzling to get that perfect smooth layer.
These bars are great for sharing at potlucks, bringing to school, or just enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a quiet afternoon. I like them best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra yum. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these Salted Caramel Apple Bars bring that warm, happy fall feeling with every bite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweet caramel. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter result.
Rolled oats: They add great texture to the crust and topping. If you prefer gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut oil, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Salted caramel ingredients: Use good-quality granulated sugar and real cream for the best caramel flavor. You can replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free caramel.
How Do You Make Perfect Salted Caramel Without Burning It?
Making caramel can be tricky, but these tips help:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly.
- Keep stirring the sugar constantly to prevent burning and hot spots.
- Watch the color closely — once it turns a deep amber, remove from heat quickly.
- Be very careful when adding butter and cream as it will bubble up.
- Let it cool a bit before drizzling to avoid it running too much on the bars.
Taking your time on this step makes a smooth, rich caramel that perfectly complements the apples and crumb topping.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking pan – perfect size for these bars and makes slicing easy.
- Parchment paper – helps lift bars cleanly out of the pan without sticking.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a couple for the crust and apple filling.
- Medium saucepan – essential for making the salted caramel without burning.
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula – great for stirring caramel safely.
- Sharp knife – for peeling and slicing apples thinly and evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Granny Smith apples for Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, less tart flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra crunch and nutty taste.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for warm spice notes.
- Try drizzling with a maple caramel sauce instead of salted caramel for a rich maple twist.
Salted Caramel Apple Bars for Fall
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or other tart apples), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
It will take about 15 minutes to prepare the bars, plus 45-50 minutes for baking. Let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes before adding the caramel drizzle and serving, so plan for about 1 hour and 40 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust and Topping:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the bars out easily. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press about two-thirds of these crumbs firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create the crust.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples are evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
3. Add Topping and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apples to create the crumbly topping. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
4. Prepare Salted Caramel Drizzle:
While the bars bake, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the granulated sugar, stirring constantly, until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Carefully add the cubed butter and stir until melted and combined. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and mix in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before drizzling.
5. Finish and Serve:
When the bars have cooled completely in the pan, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares. Drizzle the cooled salted caramel over the bars and sprinkle with a small pinch of sea salt. These bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Can I Use Frozen Apples for These Bars?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before using, so the filling doesn’t become soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can enjoy them cold or gently warm them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I Make the Salted Caramel Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the caramel sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Warm it gently before drizzling it over the bars.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream in the Caramel?
You can use full-fat coconut milk or evaporated milk as a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might change slightly.
