Chewy Salted Caramel Apple Bars: 1 Easy Recipe

Chewy Salted Caramel Apple bars have become my absolute favorite fall baking project, a tradition I look forward to all year. I remember the first time I tried making them myself, aiming for that perfect balance of tart apples, gooey caramel, and buttery crumble. The smell of cinnamon and baked apples filling my kitchen was pure autumn magic! This recipe is my go-to chewy caramel apple recipe because it delivers that irresistible sweet and salty flavor with a texture that’s just right – not too crisp, not too messy. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chewy salted caramel apples that impress everyone, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

These aren’t just any bars; they’re a hug in dessert form! Here’s why you’ll be making these again and again:

• Incredible Flavor: The perfect marriage of tart apples, rich salted caramel, and buttery crumble is simply divine.
• Effortless Prep: With a total time of just over an hour, these are surprisingly easy chewy salted caramel apples to whip up for a weeknight treat.
• Satisfying Textures: Experience the delightful contrast of a crisp crumble, tender apples, and gooey, soft salted caramel apples.
• Budget-Friendly Baking: Using common pantry staples, this recipe is an affordable way to enjoy a gourmet dessert.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these bars, making them perfect for potlucks or after-school snacks.
• Taste of Autumn: Each bite captures the cozy essence of fall with warm spices and seasonal fruit.
• Simple to Assemble: Even if you’re new to baking, the straightforward steps make creating these bars a breeze.

Ingredients for Chewy Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Gathering the right chewy caramel apple ingredients is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor balance. Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the Shortbread Crust & Crumble Topping:
• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour – forms the base and crumb topping
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar – for sweetness in the crust and topping
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – complements the cinnamon beautifully
• ¼ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into ½-inch cubes – essential for a tender crust and crumbly topping
• For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – the base for our luscious caramel
• ¼ cup (60ml) water – helps the sugar dissolve evenly
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed – makes the caramel smooth and rich
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces – adds creaminess and depth
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances the caramel flavor
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, or to taste – for that irresistible sweet and salty finish
• For the Apple Filling:
• 6 medium-sized apples (about 2-2.5 lbs), such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick – choose firm apples for the best texture
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – sweetens the apples
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch – thickens the apple juices
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – classic apple pie spice
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger – adds a little zing
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – for a deeper spice note
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning

How to Make Chewy Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Follow these detailed chewy caramel apple instructions to create a dessert that’s truly unforgettable. The combination of textures and flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!

Preparing the Shortbread Crust & Crumble Topping

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it overhangs the sides for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. This is key for that perfect crumbly texture.
4. Step 4: Press about two-thirds of this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form your crust. Set the remaining one-third aside for the topping.
5. Step 5: Pre-bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown.

Crafting the Luscious Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Step 6: While the crust bakes, let’s make the caramel! In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup water. Cook over medium-high heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until the sugar melts and turns a beautiful deep amber color. Watch it closely – it can burn quickly!
2. Step 7: Carefully and slowly pour in ½ cup warm heavy cream, whisking constantly. The mixture will bubble up vigorously, so be cautious. Keep whisking until the caramel is smooth and glossy.
3. Step 8: Remove from heat and whisk in 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt until fully incorporated. Let this luscious sauce cool slightly while you prepare the apples.

Assembling the Apple Filling

1. Step 9: In a large bowl, gently toss 6 peeled, cored, and sliced apples with ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon cloves, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the apples to soften slightly.
2. Step 10: Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust.
3. Step 11: Drizzle about half of the prepared salted caramel sauce over the apple layer. This ensures that sweet, salty goodness permeates every bite, contributing to that desired caramel apple recipe chewy texture.

Baking and Cooling for Perfection

1. Step 12: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the apples and caramel.
2. Step 13: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and tender. The aroma will be incredible!
3. Step 14: This is a crucial step for achieving clean cuts and the best texture: Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally, overnight. Patience here is key.
4. Step 15: Once completely cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top just before cutting into bars.

Pro Tips for the Best Chewy Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Achieving that perfect balance of chewy, sweet, and salty is easier than you think with these insider tips. These tricks will elevate your dessert game and ensure you have the best chewy caramel apple recipe in your repertoire.

• Use a mix of apple varieties, like tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp, for a complex flavor profile.
• Ensure your butter is truly cold for both the crust and crumble; this creates that desirable flaky texture.
• Don’t skip the full cooling time! It’s essential for clean slicing and allows the flavors to set properly.
• Taste your caramel sauce before adding it to the apples and adjust salt as needed for that perfect sweet and salty contrast.

What’s the secret to perfect chewy caramel apples?

The magic lies in not overcooking the apples and ensuring the caramel isn’t too hard. Properly cooked apples will be tender but still hold their shape, and the caramel should be soft and pliable, not brittle. This balance is key to preventing them from becoming too hard or dry. For more information on candy making temperatures, you can refer to King Arthur Baking’s guide on sugar syrups.

Can I make chewy salted caramel apples ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and crumble mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The caramel sauce can also be made a day ahead and gently reheated. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste and texture, or bake and cool completely before drizzling the final caramel. For more make-ahead baking tips, check out these helpful suggestions.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade chewy caramel apples?

A common pitfall is cutting the bars while they are still warm, leading to a messy, unappealing presentation. Another mistake is overmixing the crust/crumble, which results in a tough texture instead of a tender, crumbly one. Always allow ample cooling time!

Best Ways to Serve Your Chewy Caramel Apple Bars

These bars are incredibly versatile, perfect for any fall occasion. For a truly decadent experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey bars and cold, creamy ice cream is divine. Another fantastic option is to pair them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for added crunch. They also make a wonderful addition to a dessert charcuterie board, offering a delightful sweet and salty caramel apples flavor that complements cheeses and other treats. Honestly, they’re so good, they don’t need anything else!

Nutrition Facts for Chewy Salted Caramel Apple Bars

These bars are a delicious treat, and here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approx. 450-550
• Fat: Approx. 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 15-20g
• Protein: Approx. 3-5g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-60g
• Fiber: Approx. 2-3g
• Sugar: Approx. 40-50g
• Sodium: Approx. 150-250mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Chewy Caramel Apple Bars

Proper storage is key to keeping these bars tasting fresh for days. Once you’ve baked your delicious chewy caramel apple bars, the most important first step is to let them cool completely. This ensures they hold their shape and prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. I usually leave mine on the wire rack for at least 3 hours, or even better, overnight. For tips on proper food storage, consult this guide.

Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay wonderfully moist at room temperature for about 3-4 days, making them a perfect soft chewy caramel apple treat for weekday snacking. If you need to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, though they might firm up a bit. For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place a bar on a microwave-safe plate and warm it gently for 15-30 seconds, or until just warmed through. You can also pop them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chewy Salted Caramel Apple Treats

What are chewy salted caramel apples?

Chewy salted caramel apples are a delightful twist on the classic caramel apple. Instead of a hard, brittle candy shell, they feature a soft, pliable caramel coating that’s infused with just the right amount of sea salt. This creates a wonderfully chewy texture that complements the crisp apple inside, making them an irresistible treat.

Are these bars similar to salted caramel apple candy?

Yes, they share that fantastic sweet and salty flavor profile, but the texture is quite different. While salted caramel apple candy might be firmer or more like taffy, these bars offer layers of texture: a buttery shortbread crust, tender spiced apples, a gooey salted caramel drizzle, and a crumbly oat topping. They offer a more complex dessert experience than a simple candy.

Can I make the caramel sauce for these bars vegan?

You absolutely can! To make a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (from a can, chilled so you can skim off the cream) and use vegan butter sticks instead of dairy butter. Ensure your sugar is also vegan-friendly, as some granulated sugars are processed with bone char. This adaptation still yields a delicious, chewy caramel.

Why are my caramel apples chewy but also hard?

This can happen if the caramel mixture is cooked to too high a temperature, pushing it into the hard-ball stage rather than the soft-ball stage. For these bars, we’re aiming for a sauce consistency that’s pourable and chewy, not a brittle candy shell. Carefully monitoring the temperature and cooking time of the caramel sauce is crucial for achieving that perfect soft, chewy texture.

Variations of Chewy Caramel Apple Bars You Can Try

Looking to switch things up or cater to different tastes? These bars are incredibly adaptable, allowing you to create unique twists on this beloved fall treat. You can easily transform them into gourmet chewy caramel apples with a few simple additions.

• Spiced Pear & Caramel Bars: Swap out half of the apples for ripe pears. The subtle floral notes of pear pair beautifully with cinnamon and caramel, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle Delight: After the bars have cooled and the final caramel drizzle is applied, add a drizzle of melted dark or milk chocolate for an extra layer of richness. These become decadent salted caramel apple bites with an added chocolatey kick.
• Nutty Crunch Bars: Fold in about ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping mixture before sprinkling it over the apples. This adds a wonderful textural contrast and nutty flavor.
• Vegan & Gluten-Free Twist: For a vegan version, use vegan butter and a plant-based milk alternative for the caramel. To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and use certified gluten-free oats in the crumble.

Chewy Salted Caramel Apple Bars: 1 Easy Recipe

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 4 Hours
• Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Chewy Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a perfect fall treat that combines spiced apples, luscious salted caramel, and a buttery oat crumble topping on a shortbread crust. These bars offer a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and salty flavors with irresistible textures, making them ideal for autumn gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Shortbread Crust & Crumble Topping:
• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into ½-inch cubes
• For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) water
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon pieces
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, or to taste
• For the Apple Filling:
• 6 medium-sized apples (about 2–2.5 lbs), such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
3. Cut in 1 cup cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
4. Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan for the crust. Set the remaining one-third aside for the topping.
5. Pre-bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
6. While the crust bakes, prepare the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup water. Cook over medium-high heat, swirling occasionally, until it turns a deep amber color.
7. Carefully pour in ½ cup warm heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, whisking until incorporated. Let cool slightly.
8. Prepare the apple filling: In a large bowl, toss 6 peeled, cored, and sliced apples with ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon cloves, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
9. Spread the apple filling evenly over the warm pre-baked crust. Drizzle about half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples.
10. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the apples and caramel.
11. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
12. Cool completely on a wire rack (at least 2-3 hours, or overnight) before cutting into bars.
13. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the bars before serving.

Notes

• For a chewier texture, ensure apples are sliced thinly and not overcooked.
• The cooling step is crucial for clean slicing; resist cutting while warm.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 25 Minutes
• Cook Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: Approx. 450-550 (estimate)
• Sugar: Approx. 40-50g (estimate)
• Sodium: Approx. 150-250mg (estimate)
• Fat: Approx. 25-35g (estimate)
• Saturated Fat: Approx. 15-20g (estimate)
• Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 10-15g (estimate)
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-60g (estimate)
• Fiber: Approx. 2-3g (estimate)
• Protein: Approx. 3-5g (estimate)
• Cholesterol: Approx. 70-90mg (estimate)

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