Description
Simple recipe for sweet and salty apple bars with a caramel topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Arrange the diced apples evenly over the dough layer.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the top.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
- You can make your own caramel sauce or use store-bought.
- Allow bars to cool fully before slicing to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 105
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 35
Keywords: salted caramel, apple bars, dessert, baked apples, sweet and salty