Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars are perfect for making the night before. Chill them overnight, then slice and drizzle with caramel just before serving.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is best for texture. The thin slices bake evenly, and there’s no risk of tough skins. If you’re in a hurry, you could skip it, but the texture might not be as soft.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the topping won’t have the same crunch. Rolled oats hold up better during baking and give a heartier bite.

Salted Caramel Apple Bars – Cozy & Delicious Fall Favorite

Description

Buttery shortbread, spiced apples, oat streusel, and a drizzle of salted caramel — these salted caramel apple bars are easier than pie and perfect for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

Apple Filling:

2 large apples (peeled, thinly sliced 1/4 inch)

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Streusel:

1/2 cup (43g) rolled oats

1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour

1/4 cup (56g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Topping:

Salted caramel, homemade or store-bought

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment.

2. In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour until combined.

3. Press dough into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, toss apple slices with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5. In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form.

6. Increase oven to 350°F (177°C). Layer apples over warm crust, gently press down, and sprinkle with streusel.

7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until topping is golden brown.

8. Cool for 20 minutes, then chill at least 2 hours.

9. Lift bars out of pan, slice, and drizzle with salted caramel just before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Serving: Tastes great cold, room temp, or slightly warmed.

Apple tip: Use 1 tart apple (like Granny Smith) and 1 sweet apple (like Pink Lady) for best flavor.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Thanksgiving Recipes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Sugar: 16g
Sodium: 80mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg