Name: Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 53 min
Total time: 73 min
Ingredients: 188 grams All-Purpose Flour/ Plain Flour; 150 grams Brown Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Salt; 6 oz Unsalted Butter, cold and diced; 50 grams Oats, Old Fashioned or Quick-Cooking; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves; 1/8 teaspoon Ground Allspice; 3 medium Cooking Apples (e.g., Granny Smith) (sliced into 1/4" pieces (4 Cups Sliced Apples)); 31 grams All-Purpose Flour/ Plain Flour; 50 grams Brown Sugar; 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves; 1/4 teaspoon Ground Allspice; Homemade Salted Caramel or store-bought; Ice Cream

Introduction to Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Salted caramel apple bars are an irresistible treat that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Imagine biting into a rich, buttery shortbread crust layered with tart, juicy apples, then drizzled with smooth salted caramel—it’s a culinary hug in every bite! This delightful dessert is an ideal fusion of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for any dessert lover.

Why Salted Caramel and Apples Make the Perfect Combo?

The combination of salted caramel and apples creates a mouthwatering contrast that excites the palate. The sharpness of the apples, particularly tart varieties like Granny Smith, brings a refreshing zing that complements the rich, buttery notes of caramel. According to food pairing experts, the salt in caramel enhances the sweetness and balances the fruitiness of apples, creating a symphony of flavors that delights everyone at the table.

Why not elevate your dessert game? Serve these salted caramel apple bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience. For homemade caramel enthusiasts, you can check out this homemade salted caramel recipe to take your bars to the next level. Embrace the cozy vibes of fall with this deliciously crafted treat, perfect for gatherings or a special night in!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Creating scrumptious salted caramel apple bars begins with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown to help you prep like a pro!

Ingredients for the Crust

188 grams (1 ½ Cup) All-Purpose Flour: This will give your base that rich texture.
150 grams (¾ Cup) Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
½ Teaspoon Salt: Balances the sweetness beautifully.
6oz (1 ½ Sticks) Unsalted Butter: Cold and diced for that perfect crumbly crust.

Ingredients for the Crumble Topping

50 grams (½ Cup) Oats: Either old-fashioned or quick-cooking will work.
¼ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: For warmth and spice.
⅛ Teaspoon Ground Cloves and Ground Allspice: These spices elevate your crumble’s flavor profile.

Ingredients for the Apple Filling

3 Medium Cooking Apples: Granny Smith works great for tartness, sliced into ¼" pieces (about 4 cups).
31 grams (¼ Cup) All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the filling.
50 grams (¼ Cup) Brown Sugar: Sweetens up the apple filling.
½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds depth.
¼ Teaspoon Ground Cloves and Ground Allspice: For that cozy, spiced apple taste.

Ingredients for the Topping

Homemade Salted Caramel or store-bought for convenience: Drizzle generously!
Ice Cream: Optional, but highly recommended for a fantastic dessert experience.

With all these ingredients ready, you’re set to create some delightful salted caramel apple bars! Enjoy the process, and don't forget to taste as you go!

Preparing Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Making salted caramel apple bars is as rewarding as it is delicious. Follow these steps for a smooth baking experience that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas!

Preheat and Prepare the Pan

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to make sure it’s nice and hot by the time you're ready to bake. While the oven warms up, grab an 8”X8” pan and line it with aluminum foil, ensuring the foil hangs over the sides. This nifty trick will make it easier for you to lift the bars out later. A quick spray of non-stick cooking spray on the foil will prevent any sticking mishaps.

Make the Shortbread Crust

Now it’s time to whip up that delightful shortbread crust! In a large mixing bowl, combine 188 grams (1 ½ cups) of all-purpose flour, 150 grams (¾ cup) brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Next, add 6 oz (1 ½ sticks) of cold, diced unsalted butter. Using your fingers or a pastry blender, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press about ⅔ of this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes until it’s set and lightly golden.

Prepare the Crumble Topping

While your shortbread crust is baking, it’s time to get started on that scrumptious crumble topping. Mix together 50 grams (½ cup) of oats, along with ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ground allspice into the leftover shortbread mixture. Use your hands to work everything together and then pop this bowl in the fridge to let it chill while you prepare the apple filling.

Prepare the Apple Filling

For the apple filling, slice up 3 medium cooking apples (I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness!) into ¼" pieces. Toss those apple slices with 31 grams (¼ cup) of flour, 50 grams (¼ cup) brown sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of ground allspice. This spice mix is key to elevating the flavor profile. Let the mixture chill in the fridge until the crust is ready.

Assemble the Bars

Once the crust is baked and slightly cooled, layer the spiced apples evenly over the top. Follow this with your chilled crumble topping, sprinkling it generously over the apples. Bake everything together for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Keep an eye on it—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Bake and Cool the Bars

After baking, let your bars cool in the pan for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Then transfer the pan to the fridge for at least two hours. This cooling period is crucial—you want the apple filling to hold its shape when you cut into those delicious salted caramel apple bars. When they’re ready to serve, drizzle on some homemade salted caramel for that sweet and salty finish.

Now you’ve got an irresistibly tasty treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Make sure to store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in your fridge for up to five days. Enjoy!

Variations on Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Add Nuts for Extra Crunch

Want to take your salted caramel apple bars to the next level? Consider adding nuts! Whether you go for chopped pecans, walnuts, or even almonds, nuts can provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft apples. Just toss in a half-cup of your favorite nuts into the crumble topping, or layer them among the apples for an exciting texture contrast. It’s a simple switch that can make a world of difference.

Use Different Types of Apples

Did you know that the type of apples you choose can dramatically change your bars? While Granny Smith apples provide that perfect tartness, you might try Honeycrisp for added sweetness or even Braeburn for a balanced flavor. Experimenting with different apple varieties can give you a unique twist on your salted caramel apple bars, catering to your personal taste preferences. Grab a mix for a vibrant flavor profile that will impress friends and family alike!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crust

To create a flaky and buttery crust for your salted caramel apple bars, make sure your butter is cold before mixing. This helps to achieve that desirable texture. When pressing the crust into the pan, avoid overworking the dough; simply press it down gently but firmly. Bake until it’s just lightly golden to prevent it from becoming too hard after baking.

Notes on Homemade vs. Store-bought Caramel

While store-bought caramel is convenient, making your own can elevate your salted caramel apple bars to a whole new level! Homemade caramel offers a richer flavor and a customizable sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the apples. If you're short on time, though, a high-quality store-bought option will still yield delicious results. For tips on making great caramel, check out this basic caramel sauce recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Perfect Pairings: Ice Cream and Coffee

To elevate your salted caramel apple bars, serve them warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture perfectly complements the chewy richness of the bars. Alternatively, pair with a strong cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. The bittersweet notes of coffee enhance the sweetness of the caramel, creating a delightful balance.

Creative Serving Ideas for Gatherings

For a more festive touch during gatherings, consider serving these salted caramel apple bars on a dessert platter alongside an assortment of toppings—like chopped nuts, whipped cream, or drizzles of extra salted caramel. This interactive setup allows your guests to customize their bars and makes for a fun, engaging experience.

Time Breakdown for Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Preparation Time

With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up the delicious components of these salted caramel apple bars. This includes mixing your buttery shortbread crust and preparing the apple filling.

Cooking Time

After prepping, your bars take about 53 minutes in the oven — enough time to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma of caramel and baked apples.

Total Time

In just over an hour, specifically 1 hour 13 minutes, you’ll have a batch of warm, gooey salted caramel apple bars ready to indulge in. Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)! Enjoy your bake!

Nutritional Facts for Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Calories

Each serving of these salted caramel apple bars contains approximately 290 calories. This makes them a delightful treat that can fit into an indulgent yet balanced diet.

Sugars

The delectable combination of apples and salted caramel contributes roughly 22 grams of sugar per serving. This sweetness can satisfy your dessert cravings while still allowing room for other nutritional elements in your day.

Dietary Fiber

With around 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving, these bars not only taste great but also support healthy digestion. The oats and apples are excellent sources, ensuring you get a bit of nourishment along with each bite!

For more detailed nutritional guidance, consider exploring resources such as the USDA FoodData Central for comprehensive food databases.

FAQs About Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Salted caramel apple bars are perfect for preparing in advance. You can bake them a day ahead and store them in the fridge. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste. Simply drizzle with salted caramel just before serving for that fresh, indulgent touch!

How do I store leftovers?

If you find yourself with any delicious leftovers (though, let’s be honest, that might be a challenge!), store your bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, making them a fantastic option for snacks or dessert throughout the week. If you want to savor them for longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap!

What are the best apples to use for this recipe?

For the best results, choose firm, tart apples that will hold up during baking. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, or Braeburn are all excellent choices. Their crisp texture and flavor will complement the sweetness of the caramel, creating that delightful balance you crave in these bars. Need tips on selecting apples? Check this guide for insights!

Conclusion on Salted Caramel Apple Bars

These salted caramel apple bars are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an irresistible dessert any time of year. The crumbly shortbread, tart apples, and rich caramel create a delightful experience in every bite. Be sure to share with friends—or not! Enjoy each indulgent morsel!