There’s nothing quite as comforting as the aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Imagine biting into a rich, buttery bar layered with gooey salted caramel, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly, golden crust. These Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars are the ultimate fall dessert. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend treat, these bars will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars
- Sweet Meets Salty: The sea salt balances the sweetness of the caramel and apples perfectly.
- Incredible Texture: A buttery crust, gooey caramel, and tender apples create an amazing combination.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for holidays, potlucks, or as a comforting homemade dessert.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find ingredients make this recipe accessible for all bakers.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars
| Component | Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Crust | Salted butter, softened | 1 pound |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
| Powdered sugar | 1 ½ cups | |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tablespoons | |
| All-purpose flour | 4 cups | |
| Filling | Caramels, unwrapped | 14 ounces (1 standard bag) |
| Heavy whipping cream | ⅓ cup | |
| Vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon | |
| Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced | 4 | |
| Cinnamon | 2 teaspoons | |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | |
| Sea salt | ½ tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Dough for the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened salted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until creamy and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and gradually mix in the all-purpose flour. Beat until the dough forms and is well combined.
3. Press and Bake the Crust
- Divide the dough in half.
- Press one half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
4. Melt the Caramels
- In a medium saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy whipping cream.
- Stir over low heat until the caramels are fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Prepare the Apple Filling
- In a large bowl, toss the diced Granny Smith apples with cinnamon and cornstarch until evenly coated.
6. Assemble the Bars
- Spread the melted caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Layer the diced, cinnamon-coated apples on top of the caramel layer.
- Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the apple layer, covering as much of the filling as possible.
7. Bake the Bars
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
8. Add the Finishing Touch
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the bars with sea salt for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles for serving.
Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tart flavor, which balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth dough.
- Parchment Paper is Key: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing and cutting the bars much easier.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch for the topping to turn golden brown and the caramel to bubble, but don’t let it burn.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool before slicing to ensure the layers hold together.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Sugars | ~25g |
FAQs About Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, while Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, you can substitute Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter flavor.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. They taste even better as the flavors meld together.
3. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade caramel works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s thick and spreadable.
4. How should I store leftover bars?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
5. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
6. Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the crust mixture to balance the flavors.
Why These Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars are a dessert that’s bound to impress. The rich layers of buttery crust, gooey caramel, and spiced apples make this recipe a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or just a cozy night at home, these bars deliver comfort and joy in every bite.
Let’s Get Baking!
It’s time to bring this sweet and salty dessert to life! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let your kitchen fill with the delightful aroma of apples and cinnamon. These Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Happy baking!
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Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars combine a buttery crust, gooey salted caramel, spiced apples, and a golden crumbly topping. Sweet and salty, tender and crunchy, these bars are a must-try dessert for fall or any time of the year! Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 pound salted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 14 ounces unwrapped caramels (1 standard bag)
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour, beating until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
3. Prepare and Bake the Crust: Divide the dough into two halves. Press one half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan to create the bottom crust. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
4. Melt the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy whipping cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the caramels are fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with the cinnamon and cornstarch until they are evenly coated.
6. Assemble the Bars: Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust. Spread the cinnamon-coated apples over the caramel layer. Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the apples, covering as much as possible.
7. Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Sprinkle with Sea Salt and Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the bars. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set. Use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the bars out of the pan.
9. Slice and Serve: Once fully cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve as is, or warm them slightly and pair them with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors develop. Make them a day in advance for the best results.
- Apple Substitutes: Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples can be used for a sweeter flavor if Granny Smith apples are unavailable.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
