Description
These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with tender baked apples and a luscious salted caramel sauce. They are perfect for fall gatherings and holidays.
Ingredients
- For the Crust: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the Filling: 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- For the Salted Caramel: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces; 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
- Make the salted caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil and cook, without stirring, until the mixture turns an amber color, about 8-10 minutes.
- Carefully whisk in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble up). Stir in the butter and salt until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Pour the salted caramel evenly over the apples.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a richer caramel, use a good quality sea salt.
- Ensure your apples are firm and hold their shape when baked.
- Cooling completely is key for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg