Description
Deliciously sweet and salty bars featuring a crisp apple filling and a rich caramel topping, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cups thinly sliced peeled apples (about 2-3 medium)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, oats, baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbs form.
- Press 2/3 of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven.
- In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in 1 cup brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the crumb mixture over the caramel.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out by the parchment paper. Cut into bars.
Notes
- For a stronger salted caramel flavor, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top before serving.
- Ensure apples are sliced thinly for even cooking.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg