There’s just something magical about fall baking—the crisp air, the scent of cinnamon, and cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen. These Easy Salted Caramel Apple Bars are everything we love about autumn wrapped into one dessert: tender spiced apples, buttery crumble layers, and a drizzle of gooey caramel that ties it all together. Perfect for family gatherings, school bake sales, or a quiet night with tea, this recipe is both beginner-friendly and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- For the Crust & Crumble:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled & diced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- For the Topping:
- ½ cup jarred salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust & Crumble – In a bowl, mix melted butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly.
- Press the Base – Firmly press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the pan. This forms the crust.
- Prepare the Apple Filling – Toss diced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Layer the Apples – Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Add the Crumble & Bake – Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the apples. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- Drizzle & Cool – While still warm, drizzle with salted caramel. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Let bars cool fully before slicing—this helps them hold their shape.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- For extra indulgence, warm bars slightly before serving and top with ice cream.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.
- Lighter Version: Swap butter for coconut oil and use reduced-sugar caramel sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Pair with hot apple cider or chai tea for the ultimate fall cozy moment.
- Cut into smaller squares and serve on a platter for holiday parties.
Recipe Info
| Category | Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dessert | 20 mins | 40 mins | 12 bars | ~280 |
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Apple Bars are proof that fall baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be memorable. With simple pantry staples and a little love, you’ll have a dessert that feels like home in every bite. Bake a batch this week and share the sweetness of autumn with the people you love most.