Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars are the epitome of fall indulgence. These decadent bars feature layers of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, spiced apples, and a golden crumble topping, all finished with a touch of sea salt. Perfectly gooey and bursting with seasonal flavor, they are a luxurious treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars blend sweet and salty with a tender crumb and warm spices. The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances the sweetness of the caramel, while the flaky, buttery crust and crumble provide texture. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they’re ideal for holiday baking, potlucks, or a cozy autumn dessert.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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butter, softened
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sugar
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powdered sugar
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vanilla extract
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flour
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caramels, unwrapped
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heavy cream
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Granny Smith apples, diced
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cinnamon
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cornstarch
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sea salt
directions
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Prepare the Base:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). In a large bowl, mix softened butter, sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until a dough forms. -
Bake the Crust:
Press half of the dough mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven. -
Prepare the Caramel:
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with heavy cream, stirring until smooth. -
Make the Apple Filling:
Toss diced Granny Smith apples with cinnamon and cornstarch until evenly coated. -
Assemble the Bars:
Pour the melted caramel evenly over the baked crust. Layer the spiced apples on top, then crumble the remaining dough over the apples. -
Bake and Finish:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender. Sprinkle with sea salt immediately after removing from the oven. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 16 bars.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: about 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320 per bar
Variations
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Use pears instead of apples for a subtle twist.
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for a nutty crunch.
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Substitute store-bought apple butter for the diced apples for a smoother filling.
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Drizzle additional caramel over the top after baking for extra indulgence.
storage/reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator. Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness and firmness, which balance the sweetness and hold up well during baking.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but the texture and consistency may differ slightly. Homemade caramel made from caramels and cream is thicker and richer.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for added fiber and a rustic look.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
How do I keep the caramel from hardening too much?
Be sure to melt the caramels slowly with heavy cream, and don’t overcook. The added cream helps keep the caramel soft.
Can I add oats to the crumble topping?
Yes, replacing a portion of the flour with rolled oats adds texture and a slight nutty flavor.
What size pan should I use?
A 9×13-inch pan is ideal for even baking and appropriate portion size.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The topping should be golden brown and the apple layer bubbling around the edges.
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars are even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars are a sensational treat that encapsulates the best of autumn. With their rich, buttery crust, sweet-spiced apple filling, and a hint of sea salt, they offer a comforting and crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you’re baking for a holiday feast or a casual weekend indulgence, these bars are sure to impress.
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fall dessert with Salted Caramel Apple Butter Bars — layers of buttery shortbread crust, rich homemade caramel, spiced Granny Smith apples, and a golden crumble topping finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. These bars balance sweet and salty with tender, gooey textures and warm autumn spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weekend treats.
Ingredients
(See full measurements below in recipe card)
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Butter, softened
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Sugar
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Powdered sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Flour
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Caramels, unwrapped
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Heavy cream
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Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
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Cinnamon
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Cornstarch
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Sea salt
Instructions
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Prepare the Base:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
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In a large bowl, cream softened butter with sugar and powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and flour; mix until a dough forms.
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Bake the Crust:
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Press half the dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
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Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from oven.
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Prepare the Caramel:
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In a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with heavy cream, stirring until smooth and creamy.
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Make the Apple Filling:
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Toss diced Granny Smith apples with cinnamon and cornstarch until evenly coated.
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Assemble the Bars:
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Pour melted caramel over the baked crust.
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Layer spiced apples evenly over the caramel.
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Crumble remaining dough over the apple layer.
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Bake and Finish:
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Return pan to oven and bake 30–35 minutes until topping is golden and apples are tender.
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Immediately sprinkle sea salt over the top after baking.
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Cool and Serve:
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Allow bars to cool completely before slicing into approximately 16 squares.
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Notes
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Substitute pears for apples for a milder fruit flavor.
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Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for crunch.
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Use store-bought apple butter instead of diced apples for a smoother filling.
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Drizzle extra caramel over bars after baking for more indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American