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