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Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Fall in Love with Salted Caramel Apple Bars
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, nothing brings warmth and comfort like a delicious dessert made with fresh apples and rich caramel. Salted Caramel Apple Bars combine sweet, tart apples with a decadent salted caramel drizzle, all on a buttery oat crust. These bars are an easy way to enjoy the flavors of autumn and are perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply enjoying at home with a cup of tea. If you love the taste of fall and are looking for a sweet treat that is both simple and satisfying, these Salted Caramel Apple Bars are just what you need.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to whip up a batch of Salted Caramel Apple Bars. Firstly, the taste is absolutely delightful. The combination of sweet apples, creamy salted caramel, and a crunchy oat crust creates a flavor profile that is hard to resist. Plus, making these bars allows you to take advantage of seasonal fall apples, giving you fresh, sweet, and juicy fruit in every bite.
Secondly, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special kitchen gadgets or advanced baking skills. In just a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful dessert that will impress your friends and family. And let’s not forget about the aroma that fills your kitchen while these bars are baking—your guests will be drawn in by the sweet scents alone!
Finally, Salted Caramel Apple Bars are versatile. You can serve them as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat. They are easy to store and can be enjoyed for days, making them a practical choice for meal prep or batch cooking.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Creating these Salted Caramel Apple Bars involves some simple steps that anyone can follow. Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and prepare to fill your home with sweet, autumnal aromas.
Ingredients
To make Salted Caramel Apple Bars, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups chopped apples
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Directions
Follow these steps to create your Salted Caramel Apple Bars:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until crumbly.
- Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Layer chopped apples evenly over the crust, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars. Enjoy your autumn treat!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Serving Salted Caramel Apple Bars can be just as delightful as making them. Cut the bars into squares and place them on a beautiful serving platter or individual dessert plates. For an extra touch, you can warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.
Consider pairing your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy textures complement the chewy, caramel-filled bars beautifully. You might even want to drizzle additional salted caramel sauce on top for an indulgent treat that truly celebrates the flavors of autumn.
These bars also make a great snack! Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a midday pick-me-up, or share them with friends and family at gatherings and parties.
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Bars
To keep your Salted Caramel Apple Bars fresh, make sure to store them properly. Here are some simple tips for storage:
- Cool Completely: Always let your bars cool completely before storing them. This prevents condensation and sogginess.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Place the bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also divide them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Room Temperature or Refrigerator: These bars can be stored at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: If you want to store your bars for an extended period, they freeze beautifully. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Making a delicious dessert is about fine-tuning to your taste. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Bars turn out perfectly every time:
- Choose the Right Apples: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples can enhance the flavor profile. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp apples bring sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix the Crust: When combining the ingredients for the crust, mix just until crumbly—overmixing can lead to a tough crust.
- Add Nuts for Crunch: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped nuts to the crumb mixture. Walnuts or pecans work well and add a lovely texture.
- Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is classic, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth and flavor.
- Drizzle More Caramel: If you love caramel, drizzle more on top before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Variation
While the original recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Bars is delightful, you might want to try variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for gluten-free Salted Caramel Apple Bars.
- Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binding agent instead of the egg (if added).
- Chocolate Twist: Add chocolate chips to the crumb mixture or sprinkle some on top before baking for a chocolate-infused flavor that pairs nicely with caramel and apple.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various types of apples. A mix of sweet and tart apples works best for balance in flavor.
2. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Bars in advance?
Absolutely! These bars keep well in the fridge and can be made a couple of days in advance. They also freeze well for longer storage.
4. What can I serve with Salted Caramel Apple Bars?
You can serve these bars with vanilla or caramel ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce.
5. How should I store leftover bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Salted Caramel Apple Bars are sure to be a hit no matter how you slice them. Their combination of flavors and textures captures the essence of fall, and the easy recipe ensures you can make them again and again. Whip up a batch today and enjoy this delightful treat!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious dessert bars made with fresh apples, rich salted caramel, and a buttery oat crust, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups chopped apples
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda until crumbly.
- Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Layer chopped apples evenly over the crust, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: caramel, apple, dessert, fall recipes, easy baking
