Description
These irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars feature a buttery crust, a soft spiced apple filling, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle. They are a delightful fall dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (113g, 1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
- 4 medium apples (about 500g), peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Make the Salted Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it is a golden amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Stir in the sea salt. Let cool slightly before using.
- Assemble the Bars: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle slightly larger than the pan. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it into the bottom and up the sides. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
- Add Filling and Caramel: Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust. Drizzle the salted caramel over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji.
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- You can freeze these salted caramel apple bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg