Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars. Tender layers of buttery shortbread crust, juicy apple filling, and a luscious salted caramel topping create a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress your guests this Thanksgiving. Whether served warm or chilled, these bars are a festive treat that combines seasonal flavors in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a delicious finish to your holiday meal.
This dessert combines rich flavors of caramel and apples, making it a perfect treat for autumn gatherings.
Taste the Tradition
Thanksgiving desserts often have a way of becoming cherished family traditions. These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars are no exception, combining the warm flavors of apple pie with a modern twist. Each bite offers a delightful combination of sweet and salty, capturing the essence of fall. The buttery shortbread crust provides a perfect base for the juicy apple filling, making these bars a standout choice for celebrating the season.
As you gather around the dining table this Thanksgiving, the aroma of spiced apples and rich caramel will fill the air, creating a comforting atmosphere. These bars are easy to cut and serve, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a potluck or as a post-dinner treat, they’ll surely have your guests coming back for seconds.
An Easy Yet Impressive Dessert
One of the best things about these Salted Caramel Apple Bars is their simplicity. Made with everyday ingredients, they require minimal preparation, allowing you to focus on other holiday festivities. The step-by-step instructions make the process straightforward, and even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert that looks fancy and tastes incredible.
By preparing the components ahead of time, you can have these bars ready to enjoy without the last-minute stress. They can be made a day in advance and chilled in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When it’s time to serve, all you need to do is cut them into perfect squares and present them on a festive platter.
A Versatile Treat for Any Occasion
While these bars are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table, they also shine at other occasions throughout the year. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, attending a picnic, or celebrating a special birthday, these salted caramel apple bars are a crowd-pleaser. Their delicious, unique flavor profile ensures they stand out in a dessert spread.
Feel free to modify the recipe to suit your taste. Add nuts for extra crunch, use a different type of apple for a unique twist, or even experiment with different spices in the filling. The versatility of these bars allows you to get creative and tailor them to any event, making them a true kitchen staple.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salted Caramel Topping
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Mix and match the ingredients to suit your taste!
Instructions
Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined.
Make the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread the apple mixture over the baked shortbread crust.
Prepare the Salted Caramel Topping
In a saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns amber in color. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and butter until smooth. Stir in the sea salt.
Assemble and Bake
Pour the salted caramel over the apple filling and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Enjoy your decadent salted caramel apple bars!
Storing Your Apple Bars
These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Their flavors deepen and improve as they sit, making them a fantastic make-ahead option. If you prefer to enjoy them warm, a quick reheat in the microwave for a few seconds will do the trick, restoring their warm, comforting essence.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Cut the bars into squares and layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their original texture and flavor when you’re ready to indulge.
Pairing Ideas
To elevate your dessert experience, consider pairing these salted caramel apple bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess complements the chewy caramel and tart apple, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You might also drizzle extra salted caramel sauce on top to enhance the indulgence further.
For a delightful twist, serve them alongside a cup of hot apple cider or a classic pumpkin spice latte. The warm beverages will enhance the flavors of the bars, making for a cozy dessert experience that invites everyone to relax and enjoy their time together.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears or mixed berries can also work well in this recipe.
→ How should I store the leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and salty with these Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars. Tender layers of buttery shortbread crust, juicy apple filling, and a luscious salted caramel topping create a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress your guests this Thanksgiving. Whether served warm or chilled, these bars are a festive treat that combines seasonal flavors in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a delicious finish to your holiday meal.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salted Caramel Topping
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch pan, and bake for 15 minutes.
In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread the apple mixture over the baked shortbread crust.
In a saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns amber in color. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and butter until smooth. Stir in the sea salt.
Pour the salted caramel over the apple filling and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 2g