Apple crumble bars have never tasted this good! Our Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars bring together the sweet flavor of apples, the rich touch of salted caramel, and a soft, crumbly topping. This easy recipe is perfect for fall gatherings, family parties, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth. In just about 45 minutes, you can have these delightful treats ready to enjoy. The balance of flavors with the sweet and salty components makes for a dessert that everyone will love.
These bars are not only delicious but also very simple to make. With common ingredients found in most kitchens, it’s easy to whip up a batch for any occasion. Imagine the heavenly smell of baking apples and caramel filling your home! Perfectly cut into bars, you can serve them at a picnic, give them as a thoughtful gift, or keep them all to yourself for those cozy movie nights. Let us show you how to make these irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars!
Why make this recipe
There are many reasons to try making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. First, they offer a warm blend of flavors that perfectly capture the spirit of fall. Secondly, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a great option even for beginner bakers. These bars can be stored easily, allowing you to enjoy them for several days. Plus, they are a crowd-pleaser, so they’re ideal for family gatherings or parties. You get the richness of caramel and the freshness of apples all in one tasty dessert. What’s not to love?
How to make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
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
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Add flour and stir until crumbly. Press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples. Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.
How to serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
These bars are best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of extra salted caramel on top adds an extra touch of sweetness. Perfect for serving at a get-together or enjoying as a sweet treat at home!
How to store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. You can also freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tips to make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
- Use a mix of apples for deeper flavor; a combination of sweet and tart apples works best.
- Make sure to slice the apples thinly to ensure they soften during baking.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping.
- Don’t skip the cooling step in the pan, as it helps the bars set properly.
Variation
You can switch things up by adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture. You can also replace salted caramel with chocolate chips for a different taste. If you prefer a nut-free option, just leave out any nuts you want to add.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use homemade caramel or store-bought sauce, depending on your preference.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples are great choices due to their flavor and texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
Using parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan helps prevent sticking and makes it easy to lift the bars out.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake these bars a day in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Linda shares simple, family-friendly desserts with a playful twist — mostly cakes and cookies you can bake on busy days.
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