If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, salty, tart, and crunchy, this Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in luscious salted caramel, all nestled on a buttery, crumbly crust with an irresistible oat topping. It’s like having a cozy apple crisp transformed into portable bars that everyone will be begging for seconds of. These bars bring together comforting flavors and textures that make every bite a celebration of autumn’s best bounty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your bars. Each plays a vital role: from the tender apples that provide juicy freshness, to the buttery crust and crunchy oatmeal topping that give this dessert its signature crispness and warmth.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the crust and topping, ensuring delicious crumbly textures.
- Flour: The base of the crust and topping, providing structure and balance.
- Brown sugar: Brings warmth and caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor depth.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the salted caramel taste with a subtle savory note.
- Apples: Fresh, peeled, and thinly sliced, these bring tartness and juiciness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet toppings.
- Caramel sauce: Either store-bought or homemade, it coats the apples with a luscious, gooey texture and a rich buttery flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, earthy spice that perfectly complements the apples and caramel.
- Oatmeal: Provides a delightful crunch and wholesome texture for the crisp topping.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your square pan with parchment paper. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup so much easier. Next, whip up the buttery, crumbly crust by mixing salted butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt until coarse crumbs form. Press this mixture evenly into the pan and bake it for 12 minutes until it’s set and lightly golden. This pre-baked crust forms the perfect sturdy base for your luscious apple filling to rest on.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple-Caramel Mixture
While the crust cools slightly, it’s time to prep the star of the dish—the apples! Core, peel, and thinly slice about 4 cups of apples for the perfect balance of tender sweetness and slight tartness. In a separate bowl, mix caramel sauce, a pinch of salt, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour until smooth. Toss the sliced apples in this caramel mixture to ensure every piece is bathed in sticky, spicy sweetness. Then, spread this delightful mixture evenly over your pre-baked crust, gently pressing down so it forms a cohesive layer packed with flavor.
Step 3: Create and Add the Oatmeal Topping
The crunchy topping is what makes these bars unforgettable. Combine the remaining salted butter, brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon until crumbly but that holds together when pressed. Sprinkle this oat mixture generously over the apple layer, pressing gently to help it stick and form a delicious crust of its own while baking. This golden topping will bake into a beautifully crisp, chewy layer that contrasts with the tender apples beneath.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender and bubbling, and the oat topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. The caramel from within will be gooey and slightly salted, creating pockets of irresistible sweetness. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan to allow the layers to set perfectly.
Step 5: Final Touches
Before slicing, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the tops for that extra hint of sweetness and salt, and sprinkle a little extra salt if you love that balance of sweet and savory. Cut into squares, serve, and prepare for compliments to pour in. These bars are sensational warm or at room temperature, and pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to a whole new level of indulgence.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light drizzle of more caramel sauce is always a welcome addition for a glossy, sweet finish. For an elegant touch, sprinkle flaky sea salt to amplify the “salted” aspect and highlight the complex flavor profile. A small dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful texture and aroma.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to cool and complement their warm richness. A simple dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche can add a luxurious creaminess. For a beverage, hot apple cider or a spiced chai latte perfectly echo the cozy, comforting vibe of the bars.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars in individual dessert glasses layered with whipped cream or yogurt for a sophisticated parfait look. They also make charming bite-sized treats at parties when cut smaller and topped with a tiny swirl of caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. Wrapping them in rustic parchment paper creates an inviting, homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep beautifully for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeknights or gatherings. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so leftovers are often even better!
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars on hand for longer, they freeze exceptionally well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Warm these bars gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) until just heated through. Reheating brings out the gooey caramel goodness and just-baked aroma. Add a scoop of ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast that’s pure bliss.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully to balance the sweetness, but you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a more balanced flavor. Just be sure to use firm apples that hold their shape well after baking.
Is homemade caramel sauce better than store-bought?
Both work splendidly here. Homemade caramel lets you control the sweetness and salt levels, adding a personal touch. But a good-quality store-bought caramel sauce saves time and still yields delicious results. Choose whichever fits your schedule and taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust and topping with a gluten-free baking blend, and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. You’ll still get that same incredible texture and flavor with this swap.
What’s the difference between these bars and a classic apple crisp?
While a classic apple crisp is baked and served in one dish, these bars transform that same fantastic combo into portable squares with a firmer base crust. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the flavors you love with an easy-to-eat, less messy format.
Can I add nuts to the topping?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds make a wonderful addition for extra crunch and flavor. Just fold them into the crumble mixture before spreading over the apples for a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with the caramel and cinnamon notes.
Final Thoughts
Making these Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe is like wrapping up fall in a warm, delicious package that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply because you crave a comforting treat, these bars deliver on every level — flavor, texture, and nostalgia. Give this recipe a whirl, share it with loved ones, and watch how quickly these irresistible bars disappear from your kitchen!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars (16 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars feature a buttery crumb base topped with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples coated in rich caramel and a crunchy oatmeal crumble topping. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, ideal for a comforting dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Apple Filling
- 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 4–5 apples)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
Topping
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional
- Additional caramel for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a consistent base layer. Bake for 12 minutes to set, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Core, peel, and thinly slice the apples to measure about 4 cups. In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour until smooth. Pour this caramel mixture over the sliced apples and toss gently to ensure all slices are evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust and press lightly to form a uniform layer.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, blend the butter, brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon together until crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this crumble topping over the apple layer and gently press down to help it adhere.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into 16 squares. Optionally, drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle a little salt for enhanced flavor. Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- For best results, use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing when preparing crust and topping.
- Letting the bars cool completely before cutting helps them hold together better.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can use homemade caramel sauce for a more personalized flavor.
