Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat Recipe

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a perfect fall treat that combines tender, spiced apples with a buttery crumble and rich salted caramel. Ready in just 45 minutes, they are sure to become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

A close-up of a slice of apple crumble bar on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden, crumbly crust with a rough texture, topped by a thick layer of soft, cooked apple slices with a light brown color. On top of the apples, there is a glossy layer of caramel sauce dripping slightly down the side. The top layer is a chunky, crumbly streusel with a light brown, crispy texture. The background is softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
  • 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well mixed.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg to evenly coat. Spread the apples over the crust in the pan.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples, then crumble the remaining flour mixture evenly over the top.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
  7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to serve.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
  • You can substitute Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp or Fuji for different sweetness levels.
  • Use store-bought salted caramel sauce for convenience or make your own for a homemade touch.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until soft and gooey.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a square piece of crumb-topped dessert on a white plate with a thin brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three visible layers: a bottom layer of golden brown crust that looks firm and crumbly, a thick middle layer of soft, creamy light beige filling with slices of fruit inside, and a top layer of golden-brown streusel crumb topping with a coarse, crunchy texture spread unevenly across the surface. The lighting highlights the moist shine of the middle layer and the rough texture of the crumb topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated. Just bring them to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Can I freeze the apple crumble bars?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm before serving.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat Recipe


  • Author: Naomi
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

Delight in these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, a perfect fall treat that combines tender, spiced apples with a buttery crumble and luscious salted caramel drizzle. Baked to a golden brown crust in just 45 minutes, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that will keep you coming back for more.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust and Crumble

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Apple Filling

  • 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping

  • 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Add Flour for Crumble: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve about one-third of this crumbly mix for topping.
  4. Form the Crust: Press about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm and even layer as the crust.
  5. Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with ground cinnamon and nutmeg until the slices are evenly coated with the spices.
  6. Assemble Filling: Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the pan.
  7. Add Caramel and Crumble Topping: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the apples. Then crumble the remaining crumbly mixture over the top, covering the apples and caramel thoroughly.
  8. Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan to let the bars set firmly before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture contrast.
  • Make sure to cool the bars completely to avoid them falling apart when cutting.
  • Salted caramel sauce can be store-bought or homemade depending on your preference.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, Autumn Dessert, Apple Dessert Bars, Salted Caramel Recipe, Fall Treats

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating