Salted Caramel Apple Bars (Printer-Friendly)
Autumn-flavored bars with tender apples, cinnamon, and rich salted caramel topping in a buttery crumble.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Crumble Base and Topping
01 -
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
03 -
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
06 -
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ Apple Filling
07 -
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
08 -
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
09 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 -
1 teaspoon cornstarch
11 -
1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Salted Caramel Sauce
12 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
13 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
14 -
1/4 cup heavy cream
15 -
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for sprinkling
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in melted butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs that hold together when pressed.
02 -
Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8x8 inch baking pan to create a solid base. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
03 -
In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked base.
04 -
Over medium heat, melt granulated sugar while stirring constantly until caramelized to a deep amber. Remove from heat, whisk in butter followed by heavy cream. Stir in sea salt and cool slightly.
05 -
Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apple layer. Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
06 -
Cool bars completely in the pan before slicing. Drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
Can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Flavors intensify after resting.