Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt for the crust.
• In a separate large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together apple butter, egg, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the filling.
• Spread the apple butter filling evenly over the crust.
• Crumble the remaining dough over the apple butter filling.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is set.
• While the bars are baking, prepare the salted caramel drizzle. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated 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. Remove from heat.
• Carefully whisk in the warm heavy cream (it will bubble up) until smooth. Stir in the butter pieces until melted and incorporated.
• Stir in the flaky sea salt.
• Let the bars cool completely in the pan before drizzling with salted caramel. Slice and serve.