Salted Caramel Apple Bars: Your New Fall Favorite! 🍏🍯✨
1. Introduction
Welcome to a delightful journey into fall with our irresistible salted caramel apple bars. This fall dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings, family get-togethers, or a sweet treat to enjoy on a crisp autumn day. Combining tender apple filling with rich salted caramel and a buttery crust, this easy apple dessert is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will impress everyone at the table.
2. Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Bars
- 2 cups peeled, sliced apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Fresh apple slices for topping (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Preparing the Apple Filling
Start by peeling and slicing the apples into thin pieces. In a skillet over medium heat, toss the apples with a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of cinnamon. Cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Making the Salted Caramel
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until bubbling and golden. Carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring – be cautious, as the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir in sea salt and cook for another minute until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Preparing the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the cold butter and mix until crumbly. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create the crust.
Assembling the Bars
Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the crust. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the apples. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, pressing lightly to adhere.
Baking the Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling. Allow to cool before slicing into squares. For an extra touch, top with fresh apple slices for presentation.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To maintain the freshness and texture, reheat slightly before serving or enjoy chilled as a delightful cold dessert.
5. Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Dessert
These salted caramel apple bars are perfect on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent experience, drizzle additional salted caramel on top or sprinkle with chopped nuts. They are great as a sweet finish to any fall gathering or cozy family night.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these apple bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious fall dessert.
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely. Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add a delightful contrast to the sweet caramel, but you can experiment with Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter taste.
How long does it take to prepare and bake?
From start to finish, expect about 1 hour. The prep time is approximately 20 minutes, with about 30-35 minutes for baking.
Are there vegan or dairy-free alternatives?
Yes. Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream or almond milk in place of heavy cream. These substitutions make the dessert suitable for vegan diets without compromising flavor.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Perfect for quickly peeling, slicing, and chopping apples for your fall dessert.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – For preparing refreshing beverages to complement your sweet treat.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – Ensures non-stick perfection when making the caramel and baking.
Investing in the right kitchen tools can elevate your baking experience, making the process smoother and more enjoyable. Check out these popular options to enhance your culinary adventures!
8. Additional Related Recipes to Try
9. Conclusion
Incorporate these salted caramel apple bars into your fall dessert lineup and enjoy a delicious combination of sweet, salty, and tart flavors. Their easy-to-make recipe allows you to savor autumn’s best ingredients in every bite. Whether served at a family gathering, potluck, or cozy night in, this fall dessert is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, fire up the oven, and indulge in the ultimate salted caramel apple goodness!
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Salted Caramel Apple Bars: Your New Fall Favorite!
Delight in the flavors of fall with our Salted Caramel Apple Bars, a perfect combination of tender apple filling, rich salted caramel, and a buttery crumb crust. Ideal for cozy gatherings and family get-togethers, this easy-to-make dessert offers a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and tart flavors that will become a seasonal favorite.
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups peeled, sliced apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- Fresh apple slices for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and thinly slice the apples. Cook in a skillet with a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of cinnamon until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Cool slightly.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the remaining sugar and stir until bubbling and golden. Carefully add the heavy cream while stirring. Mix in sea salt and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and cool.
- In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Press half of the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the crust. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture on top and press lightly.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbling. Cool before slicing. Optional: top with fresh apple slices.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Reheat slightly for serving or enjoy chilled for a cold dessert.
- For gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and use gluten-free oats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290 Kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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