If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe. Imagine tender slices of apple wrapped in a luscious salted caramel sauce, all layered between a buttery shortbread crust and a golden oatmeal crumb topping. Each bite gives you that wonderful blend of warm spices, rich caramel, and comforting apple sweetness that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. These bars are absolutely perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to a little homemade magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together to create a symphony of texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role—from the crispy base to the juicy apple filling and the crispy, cinnamon-kissed crumb topping.
- Salted butter (1/2 cup + 6 tablespoons): Using salted butter enhances the caramel notes and adds richness throughout.
- Flour (1 1/4 cups + 1/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Provides the sturdy structure for both crust and topping, ensuring the bars hold their shape perfectly.
- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons + 3/4 cup): Adds deep caramel flavor and moisture to every layer of the bar.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): A little salt brightens flavors and balances the sweetness wonderfully.
- Apples (4 cups peeled, sliced): Fresh tart apples bring juiciness and crispness—choose your favorite baking variety!
- Caramel sauce (1/4 cup + additional for drizzling): The heart of the recipe, infusing every apple slice with gooey, buttery sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): Perfectly warms up the bars with subtle spice notes.
- Oatmeal (1/2 cup): Adds a delightful chewy crunch to the crumb topping.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Start by getting your oven ready at 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper—it’s the secret to easy removal and neat edges after baking. This simple prep sets the stage for the perfect bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
In a mixing bowl, cream the salted butter with flour, brown sugar, and salt until your mixture turns crumbly. This buttery crust is the foundation of your Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe, providing a rich, tender base. Press it evenly into your lined pan and give it a quick 12-minute bake to get it set and golden. It will be slightly crisp, a wonderful contrast to the tender apple layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the crust cools, peel, core, and slice your apples thinly—about 4 cups total. Combine caramel sauce, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour in a small bowl until smooth, then toss your apples gently in this luscious mixture. This step infuses the fruit with warm, gooey flavor that is the heart of the Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe. Spread the coated apples evenly over the baked shortbread crust and gently press down for an even layer.
Step 4: Make the Oatmeal Crumb Topping
Next comes the crumbly, golden topping. Combine salted butter, brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, and a touch of cinnamon until crumbly and aromatic. Sprinkle this over the apple layer and press gently to make sure the topping sticks while baking. The oatmeal adds an irresistible chew and crunch, completing the experience.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Tender
Bake your assembled bars for 35 to 40 minutes more, allowing the apples to become tender and the crumb topping to turn a beautiful golden brown. The aroma baking in your kitchen at this stage is pure comfort food heaven!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Set your bars aside to cool completely in the pan—this helps everything firm up perfectly, making cutting a breeze. For an even more indulgent treat, drizzle extra caramel and sprinkle a pinch of salt on top before serving. These bars shine on their own or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of warm caramel sauce and a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top add the perfect finishing touch, complimenting the natural sweetness and highlighting the salted caramel’s magic. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few chopped toasted pecans can also elevate the look and taste effortlessly.
Side Dishes
Vanilla bean ice cream is a classic companion, melting deliciously against the warm bars. For a lighter contrast, serve with whipped cream flavored with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea rounds out the warm, comforting experience beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting these bars into bite-sized squares and serving them on a dessert platter for a party—guests will love the easy, hand-held indulgence! Alternatively, layer chunks of the bar in dessert glasses with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for a stunning parfait-style presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh and delicious. Make sure they’re well-covered to prevent the crust from drying out.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor. You can reheat individual bars gently to bring the flavors back to life.
Reheating
Warm your bars in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps melt the caramel slightly and revives the crispness of the topping. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave works too, but the texture will be softer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great because they balance the sweet caramel, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold up during baking.
Is homemade caramel sauce better than store-bought for this recipe?
While store-bought caramel sauce works well and saves time, homemade caramel sauce adds a deeply rich and silky texture that elevates the bars. If you have time, making your own will impress every sweet tooth.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure your oats are also certified gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
How can I make the crumb topping extra crunchy?
Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping mixture. Baking the topping just until golden will also maximize that delightful crunch.
What’s the best way to cut these bars without them falling apart?
Waiting until the bars have completely cooled and firmed up in the pan is key. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat squares. Chilling briefly before cutting also helps.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe a try—it’s one of those desserts that feels both nostalgic and special, perfect for cozy weekends or impressing friends with minimal fuss. The layered flavors and textures will quickly make these bars a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 52 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a sweet and spiced caramel apple filling, topped with a crunchy oatmeal crumb topping. Baked to golden perfection, they make a delightful dessert or snack, perfect for autumn or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Shortbread 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
Oatmeal Crumb 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
- Extra salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: 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.
- Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until the mixture is crumbly and evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 12 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the next components.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Core, peel, and thinly slice enough apples to yield about 4 cups. In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce, salt, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour until smooth. Toss the sliced apples gently in the caramel mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Spoon the coated apples evenly over the pre-baked crust and gently press them down to form an even layer.
- Make the Oatmeal Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, blend the butter, brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon until a crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apple filling, pressing down gently to help it adhere.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For extra indulgence, drizzle with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle a bit of extra salt if desired. These bars are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Peel and slice apples uniformly for even cooking.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor against the sweet caramel.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat gently before serving if desired.
- For homemade caramel sauce, simmer sugar and butter until golden, then stir in cream; let cool before using.
