Description
These irresistible salted caramel apple bars are a perfect fall treat. They combine a tender apple filling with a gooey salted caramel sauce and a buttery shortbread crust. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- For the Crust: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling: 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6 cups); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Salted Caramel: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- For the crust: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- For the filling: In a separate bowl, toss apples with lemon juice. In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add to apples and toss to coat. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- For the salted caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook, without stirring, until it turns an amber color. Carefully whisk in the warm heavy cream (it will bubble up). Stir in butter and salt until smooth.
- Pour the salted caramel evenly over the apple filling.
- Crumble the remaining half of the crust dough over the caramel layer.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For best results, use a mix of apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.
- Ensure the heavy cream is warm before adding it to the hot caramel to prevent seizing.
- Allow bars to cool completely for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American