Hey there! I absolutely love sharing this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe with friends because it’s just one of those desserts that hits every sweet spot — buttery crust, tender chunks of tart apple, gooey caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt that takes it all to the next level. When I first tried making these bars, I was amazed at how easy they came together and how everyone immediately went back for seconds. Trust me, if you love apple desserts with a caramel twist, you’re going to adore this recipe.

🧡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet caramel pairs beautifully with tart Granny Smith apples and a touch of sea salt, creating a crowd-pleasing contrast.
Easy to Make: You’ll find that the dough comes together quickly without complicated techniques — no fancy equipment needed.
Versatile and Crowd-Friendly: Whether it’s a family dessert or a potluck favorite, these bars cut into perfect portions everyone loves.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this in advance and bake fresh later, or store leftovers with ease without losing that scrumptious freshness.

Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick peek at the ingredients that make this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe so delicious. The combination is simple but creates layers of texture and flavor that work beautifully together. Pro tip: using Granny Smith apples adds a sharp, fresh bite that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe - Ingredients

Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and a tender crust.
White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning the crust.
Powdered Sugar: Gives the dough a delicate texture and sweetness without grit.
Vanilla Extract: A splash brings warmth and rounds out the flavors nicely.
Flour: The backbone of the crust, choose all-purpose for the best texture.
Apples: I use Granny Smith for their tartness and firmness, but you can experiment with Honeycrisp or Fuji if you want it sweeter.
Caramels (or Caramel Bits): This is where the magic happens — unwrapped soft caramels melt smoothly to create that gooey topping.
Whipping Cream: Adds creaminess to the caramel sauce, making it silky and luscious.
Coarse Sea Salt: The finishing salt sprinkle balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe is. Feel free to make it your own by switching up the apples or adding a few mix-ins to surprise your taste buds. Here are some ideas I’ve tried and recommend!

Adding Pecans or Walnuts: My family goes crazy for the crunch nuts add—just sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the caramel layer before crumbling the dough over.
Spiced Up: Try mixing a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice into the dough or apples for extra cozy fall vibes.
Dairy-Free Variation: Use a non-dairy butter and coconut cream instead of whipping cream for a dairy-free-friendly version.
Apple Swap: Use a sweeter apple like Fuji for a softer, more sugary flavor if tartness isn’t your thing.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first: preheat your oven to 325°F. I like to line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup, then give it a light spray of cooking spray so the bars slide right out once baked. This step saves so much hassle later, trust me!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Pop your softened butter, white sugar, and powdered sugar into a large mixing bowl. I use my stand mixer, but a hand mixer or vigorous stirring with a wooden spoon works too. Beat until everything is smooth and fluffy — this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Then, add in the tablespoon of vanilla and mix just to combine.

Step 3: Make the Dough and Bake the Crust

Next, stir in the flour a little at a time until you get a soft dough — it might seem crumbly but don’t overmix. Press half the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Pop the rest in the fridge to keep it chilled while the crust bakes. Bake for 15 minutes — you want the crust just starting to set but not browned.

Step 4: Prepare the Salted Caramel Apple Filling

While the crust is baking, melt your caramels with the whipping cream and half a teaspoon of vanilla in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring each time until silky smooth. I like to keep an eye on it to avoid scorching. Then, mix in the chopped apples so they get nicely coated with the caramel.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Bars

When the crust is ready, pull the pan out of the oven and pour the caramel apple mixture evenly on top. Then lightly sprinkle the coarse sea salt — I don’t use the whole 2 teaspoons, just a gentle dusting so it enhances but doesn’t overwhelm. Crumble the remaining chilled dough over the caramel layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Cool completely before slicing — this step is key so the bars hold together cleanly.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Softened Butter is Key: Using butter at room temp makes the dough creamy and easy to blend, preventing a tough crust.
Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Keeping half the dough cold stops the topping from melting into the apple layer and makes it nicely crumbly.
Watch the Caramel: Microwave in short bursts and stir often — burnt caramel is no joke and ruins the batch.
Sprinkle Salt Lightly: Salt is powerful here, so a light hand ensures it just lifts the flavors without overpowering sweetness.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes pretty simple because these bars speak for themselves. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finish, or you can drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top just before serving if you’re feeling indulgent. Sometimes, a few sea salt flakes sprinkled fresh after baking add that beautiful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These bars are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. If you want something warm, a cup of spiced chai or coffee complements the caramel and apple notes wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I like to cut the bars into smaller bite-sized squares and arrange them on a wooden board with fresh apple slices and crushed nuts sprinkled around. This makes it easy for guests to grab a treat and visually highlights the apple and caramel theme. You can also drizzle melted dark chocolate over slices for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week if I want to keep them longer. I’ve found that letting them come back to room temp before eating really brings back their soft, gooey texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully! I wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When I want a treat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and then let sit at room temperature for a couple hours before serving.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop a bar in the microwave for about 20 seconds — just enough to soften the caramel without making the crust soggy. Alternatively, heating briefly in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes works great if you want a slightly crisp top again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend Granny Smith for their tartness and firm texture, you can swap in sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a softer, sweeter filling. Just be mindful that softer apples may release more juice, so watch the baking time.
What’s the best way to melt caramels without burning them?

Melt the caramels in short 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring well between each burst. Adding the whipping cream helps prevent burning and creates a smooth sauce. Keep stirring until fully combined and silky.
Can I make the crust gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum included. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious. Just be sure to test the dough consistency, adding a touch of extra flour if it’s too sticky.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, use coconut cream in place of whipping cream, and choose caramel candies that are dairy-free (there are vegan caramel options available). Also, make sure the sugar you use is vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Bars Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines simple, everyday ingredients into something that feels luxurious and comforting all at once. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars never fail to impress. Give it a try — I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for more after the first bite!