There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon on a crisp autumn evening.
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars bring that cozy feeling right into your kitchen. They are the ultimate fall treat for your family. You will love how the warm spices fill your home. It is the perfect way to welcome the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy fall days. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have. Your kitchen will smell like a dream while they bake. It is perfect for holiday entertaining or a cozy weekend treat. Everyone loves the mix of sweet caramel and tart apples.
Simple Method
Making these bars is very straightforward and stress-free. You start with a simple buttery shortbread base. Then, you layer fresh spiced apples on top. A quick oat crumble adds the perfect crunch. Even if you are a beginner, you can do this with ease.
What You Need
These bars use fresh seasonal apples and basic baking essentials.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter to incorporate cold butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Transfer half of the crumb mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer to create the base crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly set.
- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Spread the apple mixture in an even layer over the par-baked crust.
- Incorporate the rolled oats into the remaining crumb mixture and sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the caramel sauce over the surface, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Cool completely in the pan at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to set before slicing into 16 bars.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold cream melts into the warm salted caramel perfectly. They are wonderful for a fall potluck or a family dinner. Set the table and enjoy these with a hot cup of tea. Your guests will definitely ask for the recipe.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to five days. You can reheat them in a 350°F oven for ten minutes. This keeps the crust nice and crisp. Making them a day early is a great make-ahead tip for holiday parties.
Recipe Tips
- Use cold butter for the flakiest shortbread crust possible.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.
- Dice your apples into even sizes so they cook at the same rate.
- Press the crust down firmly to prevent it from crumbling too much.
- For Thanksgiving, double the batch to feed a larger crowd.
- Use a high-quality salted caramel sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the bars chill completely before slicing for clean, pretty edges.
Make It Your Own
- Add a half cup of chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- In summer, swap the apples for fresh peaches or berries.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a friendly dietary option.
- Swap the nutmeg for ground ginger for a zesty flavor twist.
Common Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making a day in advance. They actually slice much better after they have chilled in the fridge. Just drizzle the caramel right before serving if you prefer.
What are the best apples to use?
Granny Smith apples are the best choice for this recipe. Their tartness balances the sweet caramel beautifully. They also hold their shape well during the baking process.
Can I freeze these dessert bars?
You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your fall evenings. Give it a try and let every bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all -purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sal t
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter to incorporate cold butter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Transfer half of the crumb mixture to the prepared pan and press firmly into an even layer to create the base crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly set.
- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Spread the apple mixture in an even layer over the par-baked crust.
- Incorporate the rolled oats into the remaining crumb mixture and sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the caramel sauce over the surface, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
- Cool completely in the pan at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to set before slicing into 16 bars.
