Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Bars are the perfect cozy dessert, combining buttery oat crumble, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a luscious homemade salted caramel drizzle. Sweet, salty, and incredibly comforting, these easy fall dessert bars are ideal for baking season or any time you crave a warm apple treat.
Ingredients
For the crust and crumble:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the apple filling:
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3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the salted caramel:
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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3 tablespoons butter
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, combine all crust ingredients until crumbly. Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the pan for the crust. Set aside the rest for the topping.
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In another bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Evenly layer the apple mixture over the crust.
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Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and the apples are soft.
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While baking, prepare the caramel: Melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until golden. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly whisk in cream, then stir in sea salt. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
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Once bars are baked and cooled, drizzle generously with salted caramel.
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Slice into 9 bars and serve.
Notes
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Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for best flavor.
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Caramel can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
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Bars can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Bars / Fall Baking
- Method: Baked / Stovetop (for caramel)
- Cuisine: American
