Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe

If you’re craving that perfect blend of sweet, salty, and warmly spiced flavors wrapped up in one bar, look no further than these Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars. Imagine biting into a buttery shortbread crust, giving way to tender, cinnamon-kissed apples bathed in luscious caramel, all topped with a crunchy oatmeal crumb that’s simply irresistible. These bars are the ultimate comfort treat, bringing cozy fall vibes straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or sneaking a slice for yourself, Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars are guaranteed to become a beloved go-to anytime dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars just right means starting with a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s creating the buttery crust, the rich caramel-apple filling, or that delectable crumbly topping that ties everything together.

• Salted butter: Makes the crust and topping rich and flavorful, with a perfect balance of saltiness.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the crust and crumb topping, providing structure and tenderness.
• Brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture, enhancing the caramel and apple flavors.
• Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and intensifying all the flavors.
• Apples (peeled and thinly sliced): Fresh apples bring juicy tartness and texture to the filling.
• Caramel sauce: The star of the filling that beautifully coats the apples with gooey richness.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling and topping with warm, cozy spice notes.
• Oatmeal: Adds a delightful chewy crunch to the crisp topping.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper for easy removal of your bars later on. This little prep step makes cutting and serving a breeze, so don’t skip it.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine your room temperature salted butter, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until you have a crumbly texture — this will become the base that holds everything together. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan and pop it in the oven for 12 minutes. Once it’s lightly golden, take it out and let it cool slightly while you get the filling ready.

Step 3: Create the Salted Caramel Apple Filling

Gather your peeled and thinly sliced apples — about 4 cups worth — and toss them with caramel sauce, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour. This blend coats the apples perfectly, adding sweetness, spice, and helping to thicken the filling as it bakes. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the shortbread crust, pressing down gently so each bar has a consistent layer bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Make the Oatmeal Crumb Topping

Next up, the crumbly topping! Combine butter, brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon, mixing until it forms coarse crumbs. This topping is what gives the bars their signature crisp texture and a beautiful golden finish. Sprinkle it evenly over your apple filling, pressing lightly to help it stick.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Bake everything for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone will have you counting down the minutes!

Step 6: Cool and Cut Into Bars

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is key for clean cuts and perfect squares. When you’re ready, drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle a little sea salt over the top if you’re feeling fancy. These bars shine served on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, try a light drizzle of warmed caramel sauce over the bars just before serving. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a sophisticated contrast that brightens each bite, making the flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

These bars are fantastic alongside a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the warmth and sweetness. For a cozy occasion, serve with a hot cup of spiced cider or freshly brewed coffee to complement the autumnal flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming dessert spread, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board garnished with autumn leaves or fresh apple slices. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy party finger foods. If you want to get fancy, layer them in parfait glasses with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a stunning dessert presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weekdays or upcoming celebrations.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then with foil to prevent freezer burn. Stored this way, they’ll last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to retain that lovely texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or until just heated through. For a crispier topping, pop them in a preheated oven at 325°F for around 10 minutes. Don’t forget that extra drizzle of caramel after warming!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! While the buttery shortbread crust is classic, you can switch things up with a graham cracker or cookie crust for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just keep an eye on baking times as they might vary.

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

The best results come from mixing sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance ensures your filling has a nice depth of flavor and just the right tang.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars are perfect for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge and bring to room temperature or reheat before serving.

Is it necessary to chill the bars before cutting?

Chilling your bars is highly recommended to help them set firmly, which makes cutting them into neat squares so much easier and prevents crumbling.

What if I don’t have caramel sauce?

No worries! You can quickly whip up your own caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream, or even substitute with maple syrup for a different but still delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars truly capture the heart and soul of cozy fall baking. With every bite delivering a perfect harmony of buttery crust, tender apples, and a crunchy topping, all kissed by luscious caramel, it’s hard not to fall in love. Baking this recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, delicious hug, and sharing it only makes the experience sweeter. So, invite your friends, preheat your oven, and treat everyone to a batch of these unforgettable bars—you’ll be hearing compliments all season long!

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