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Close-up of a salted caramel apple bar showing the buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and caramel drizzle.

Salted Caramel Apple Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Bars combine buttery shortbread, spiced apples, and gooey caramel with a sprinkle of sea salt for the ultimate fall dessert. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Apple Filling
  • 3 medium apples peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cornstarch to thicken
Caramel Topping
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
  • flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Pan
  • Saucepan
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add flour and salt, mixing until crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Cook until apples soften and mixture thickens, about 8 minutes.
  5. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
  6. Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, until the caramel bubbles slightly around the edges.
  7. Allow to cool completely, then drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before cutting into bars.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweet and tangy flavor. These bars store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to a month.