Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars

This Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars recipe is the treat I always crave when cooler weather rolls in. It captures all the comforting flavors of apple crisp but in a bar that is easy to serve and share. Perfect for potlucks or cozy nights in, these bars mix sweet caramel and tart apples into a buttery oat crust.

These apple crisp bars have quickly become a holiday go-to in my home. My family always requests this dessert when we are planning a fall gathering. The salted caramel drizzle makes every bite feel like a celebration.

Gather Your Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Gives stability to the crust and helps everything hold together. Choose unbleached flour for the best texture
• Rolled oats: Create a hearty and slightly chewy topping. Look for thick-cut oats to boost the crunch
• Brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel flavor and keeps the bars moist. Use fresh soft brown sugar for best results
• Cinnamon: Gently warms up the flavor so use freshly ground if possible
• Salt: Keeps every bite balanced especially with the caramel
• Unsalted butter: Adds a rich base and holds the bars together. Melted butter blends smoothly with dry ingredients for a perfect crumb
• Salted caramel sauce: Makes these bars truly decadent. Use a thick high-quality sauce for best results or make homemade for extra flavor
• Apples: Are at the heart of this recipe. Choose a mix of crisp tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for best flavor
• Saucepan: Helps melt the butter and caramel sauce smoothly
• Nine by thirteen inch baking pan: Gives the bars the right thickness. Use metal for crisp edges or glass for a tender bar

How to Make It

Prepare the Crust and Topping:

In a large mixing bowl combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and thoroughly mix with a fork or your hands until everything is evenly moistened and crumbly. Take time to press out lumps as a uniform crumb gives both the crust and topping their signature bite.

Prepare the Apple Layer:

Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Lay them in an even layer on top of pressed crust in the pan. Try to overlap the slices slightly so the apples bake evenly and every bar has apple in each bite.

Layer and Assemble:

Set aside one third of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the lined baking pan. Layer the sliced apples evenly over the crust.

Drizzle and Top:

Pour salted caramel sauce evenly over apples so every slice gets sticky caramel flavor. Sprinkle reserved crumb over the caramel apple layer to create a rustic oat topping.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the pan in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven. Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes or until the top is golden and you can see caramel bubbling at the edges.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the layers firm up so the bars slice neatly. Lift out with parchment and cut into squares. For extra flair, drizzle more caramel or sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top.

Brown sugar is my favorite ingredient here because it gives a caramel note that pairs so well with apples. The first time I baked these bars my kitchen smelled like a bakery and we finished the pan before it even cooled. These bars have created a little tradition of sharing in my house.

Flavor Boosters

You can swap the all-purpose flour for a one to one gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat. If you run out of brown sugar use coconut sugar for a more complex flavor. Want to try something new Use homemade caramel or add a little maple syrup to the caramel for a cozy twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream while they are still warm. For breakfast pair with thick yogurt and a sprinkle of extra oats. They also make a lovely gift for teachers or friends during apple season.

Creative Twists

Apple crisp is a classic American dessert. Turning it into bars makes it portable for bake sales and autumn events. Salted caramel is a relatively modern addition that brings a playful balance to this traditional favorite.

Friends have raved about taking these bars to parties and returning home with empty containers. My neighbor made a double batch for her book club and said everyone wanted the recipe. These little squares always win compliments.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What types of apples work best?

A mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, provides a well-balanced flavor and texture in these bars.

→ Can I use store-bought salted caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought salted caramel sauce works well and saves time, but homemade sauce offers a richer flavor if you prefer to make your own.

→ How should I store these bars?

After cooling completely, store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate to keep them fresh longer.

→ What’s the best way to serve them?

Serve these bars warm for maximum enjoyment, optionally topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel.

→ Can these bars be made in advance?

Absolutely. These bars can be prepared a day ahead and still taste fresh, making them convenient for gatherings or dessert prepping.