Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars – Gooey & Golden

Nothing captures the cozy magic of fall quite like Salted Caramel Apple Bars. Packed with warm cinnamon apples, layered between a buttery shortbread crust and a crumbly oat topping, then drizzled with gooey salted caramel—these bars are the ultimate autumn dessert. Think apple pie, but easier, more portable, and every bit as comforting.

Perfect for potlucks, Thanksgiving dessert tables, weekend baking, or an afternoon treat with hot cider, these bars are as easy to love as they are to make. They’re crisp on the edges, soft in the center, and dripping with fall flavor.

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A Fall Dessert Staple – Why You’ll Love These Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Bars blend everything you love about traditional apple pie—sweet apples, buttery crust, and a warm spiced filling—with the irresistible addition of salted caramel. The result is a dessert that feels rustic and homemade but fancy enough to impress guests.

They’re easy to slice, easy to transport, and easy to devour. Plus, they stay fresh for days and taste just as good cold as they do warm from the oven.

These bars are often made in a large pan and cut into squares, making them ideal for sharing (though you’ll definitely want to keep a few for yourself).

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Ingredient Overview: What You’ll Need and Why

Each component in these bars plays a role in layering texture and flavor:

Shortbread Base:

• Unsalted Butter: The star of the shortbread crust. Use cold for that classic snap.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure and bakes into a tender crust.

• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and richness.

• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.

Apple Filling:

• Apples: Use firm, tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.

• Brown Sugar: Sweetens and helps caramelize the apples.

• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic spices that warm up the filling.

• Cornstarch or Flour: Thickens the mixture so it doesn’t leak when sliced.

• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and prevents browning.

Crumb Topping:

• Old-Fashioned Oats: Add crunch and a rustic texture.

• Brown Sugar & Flour: Bind the topping and sweeten it.

• Butter: Helps the crumble brown and crisp.

• Salt: A pinch makes the topping sing.

Salted Caramel Sauce:

• Use homemade or high-quality store-bought. The drizzle takes the bars from good to amazing.

• A touch of flaky sea salt enhances every bite.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars

These bars are built in three parts: the crust, the filling, and the topping—then baked together to golden perfection.

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Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.

3. In a bowl, mix:

   • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed

   • 2 cups all-purpose flour

   • ½ cup brown sugar

   • ¼ tsp salt

4. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until coarse crumbs form and the dough holds together when pressed.

5. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.

6. Bake for 15 minutes, until just set and slightly golden. Let cool while you make the filling.

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Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

2. Add:

   • 4 cups peeled, diced apples

   • ⅓ cup brown sugar

   • 1 tsp cinnamon

   • ¼ tsp nutmeg

   • 1 tbsp lemon juice

   • 1 tbsp cornstarch or flour

3. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until apples begin to soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Let cool slightly.

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Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

1. In a bowl, combine:

   • 1 cup old-fashioned oats

   • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour

   • ½ cup brown sugar

   • ½ tsp salt

   • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

2. Mix with fingers or fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

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Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

2. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.

3. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and bubbling around the edges.

4. Let cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before drizzling with caramel and slicing.

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Step 5: Add Salted Caramel

1. Drizzle with ½ cup salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars.

2. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt to finish (optional but recommended).

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Tips for Success:

• Cool before slicing to get clean bars that hold together well.

• Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.

• Dice apples small for even baking and better layering.

Variations:

• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add crunch to the topping.

• Spiced caramel: Stir cinnamon or nutmeg into your caramel sauce.

• Maple twist: Use a maple-caramel sauce for extra fall flair.

Ingredient Swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the crust and crumble.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce.

• Apple Alternatives: Try pears or a mix of fall fruits.

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Serving Ideas & Best Occasions

Salted Caramel Apple Bars are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for:

• Fall bake sales

• Thanksgiving dessert platters

• Coffee breaks with friends

• Afternoon tea

• Back-to-school treats

• Weekend baking with kids

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoy at room temperature with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

These bars are indulgent but offer a few redeeming qualities:

• Apples add fiber, vitamin C, and natural sweetness.

• Oats in the crumble provide whole grains and texture.

• You control the sweetness—cut the sugar in the filling or drizzle less caramel.

To lighten:

• Use half the butter and replace the rest with unsweetened applesauce in the crust or topping.

• Make your own lower-sugar caramel using coconut milk and maple syrup.

Each bar (based on 16 servings) generally contains 250–300 calories, depending on how generous your caramel drizzle is!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars taste even better the next day. Make up to 2 days ahead and store tightly covered in the fridge. Bring to room temp before serving or reheat briefly.

2. Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer or separate with parchment. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter. For best texture, freeze without caramel and drizzle after thawing.

3. What apples work best?

Use firm, tart-sweet apples that hold up to baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn are great options. A mix adds complexity.

4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes. Choose a thick, high-quality salted caramel. If it’s too runny, reduce it on the stovetop for a few minutes until thickened.

5. Do I need to cook the apples first?

Yes. Pre-cooking helps release moisture and creates a gooey, pie-like filling that won’t make the crust soggy.

6. How do I keep the crust from getting too hard?

Don’t overbake the crust in the first step. Bake until just set, and avoid overworking the dough which can make it tough.

7. Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and caramel. Replace butter in the crust and topping with solid coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.

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