If you're searching for the very best fall dessert, these Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars are pure, gooey bliss! Imagine bites of buttery shortbread, cinnamon-kissed apples, and silky salted caramel-each forkful is a perfect marriage of sweet, salty, soft, and crisp.

This recipe takes everything you love about classic caramel apples and transforms it into an easy-to-slice bar that's decadent yet approachable. The apple filling bubbles to juicy perfection beneath a crumbly oat topping, while ribbons of golden caramel take it over the top.

Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner, bringing a show-stopping treat to your next potluck, or simply feeding your own autumn cravings, these bars never disappoint. Inspired by our annual orchard trips and childhood baking memories, they've become a tradition everyone looks forward to.

One taste and you'll see-these bars are seriously irresistible!

Salted Caramel Apple Bars on a white plate, drizzled with caramel sauce

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Incredible flavor and texture combo: Buttery, crumbly crust, tender apples, and gooey caramel all in one dreamy bite.
Perfect for sharing: Easily sliceable and portable, making them ideal for potlucks or parties.
Make-ahead friendly: Bars stay delicious for days and can be made in advance.
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required.

Key Ingredients for Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Apples

The star of the show! Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and for apples that hold their shape while baking. Peel, core, and dice them evenly for even cooking. Feel free to mix varieties for a more complex flavor, but avoid apples that go mushy when baked (like Red Delicious).

Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

This dreamy caramel imparts rich, buttery sweetness with a hint of salt that makes the flavors pop. You can make it from scratch for the freshest flavor, or use a quality store-bought jar in a pinch. If using store-bought, opt for one with sea salt and real butter for the best results. For a dairy-free swap, try coconut caramel sauce and a touch of flaky sea salt.

Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats

Oats add enormous texture to the crumb topping, creating a rustic finish that contrasts beautifully with the soft apple layer. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant, for best crunch. If you need the bars to be gluten-free, select certified gluten-free oats.

Butter

Real, unsalted butter creates that classic shortbread flavor in the crust and crumble. Allow it to soften to room temperature so it mixes evenly into the dough. For a dairy-free version, a vegan block butter substitute will work, but may change the flavor slightly.

Warming Spices

Cinnamon and a sprinkle of nutmeg elevate the apple filling, making each bite taste like fall. You can add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom if you want to switch up the spice profile. Pumpkin pie spice also works as a shortcut if you're feeling autumnal.

Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars cooking process

Instructions for Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the paper and sides of the pan.

Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until just combined, and then stir in the oats. The mixture will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.

Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, building a sturdy base. Reserve the remaining one-third for the crumb topping.

Prepare the Apple Filling

In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until apples are evenly coated and fragrant.

Assemble the Bars

Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the crust layer. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce across the apples, making sure every bite gets some caramel magic.

Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top, pressing it lightly so it sticks together but still looks rustic.

Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 32-36 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling at the edges. The aroma will be irresistible! Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan-this helps the bars set.

Slice, Garnish, and Serve

Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 9 squares. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired for the ultimate finish.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Version

You can easily make these bars gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend and choosing certified gluten-free oats. The bars will still bake up beautifully crumbly and delicious!

Nutty Caramel Apple Bars

For extra crunch and flavor, fold in a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into either the crust mixture or sprinkle on top before baking. Toast them lightly first for the best texture.

Vegan Salted Caramel Apple Bars

Replace the butter with your favorite plant-based block butter, use a dairy-free caramel sauce, and double-check that your sugar is vegan. The result is just as dreamy and flavorful.

Spiced Pear Twist

If you're feeling adventurous, swap half or all of the apples for ripe but firm pears and bump up the spices with a dash of ground ginger or cardamom. It's a fresh variation that still delivers that glorious caramel flavor!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Salted Caramel Apple Bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a truly decadent treat. Garnish with extra drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and maybe a pinch of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation. Pair with hot coffee or spiced chai for the ultimate cozy experience.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days for maximum freshness. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds until just warm and gooey. Bars can also be frozen (wrapped tightly) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars (FAQ)

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

A: Absolutely! Just pick a high-quality salted caramel sauce with real ingredients for the best flavor. If you prefer homemade, that works beautifully too.

Q: What are the best apples to use?

A: Tart, firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady hold their shape well and give the best sweet-tart balance. A mix of types works great if you have them on hand.

Q: Can these bars be made ahead of time?

A: Yes! They're actually even better the next day as the flavors meld. Bake and cool completely, then cover and store until ready to serve.

There's nothing quite like the combination of buttery shortbread, juicy apples, and luscious salted caramel. These Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Bars are sure to become your new fall favorite. Give the recipe a try, and don't forget to leave a comment or rating below-I can't wait to hear what you think!