If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from your favorite cozy sweater, then this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples piled atop a buttery oat crumble crust, all drizzled generously with rich salted caramel and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and salty in every bite, ideal for fall afternoons, holiday gatherings, or simply whenever you want a little homemade magic on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but they come together to create layers of flavor and texture that make this recipe truly unforgettable. Each one has a special job—from the comforting warmth of cinnamon to the crisp texture of oats and the indulgent sweetness of caramel.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: Essential for the sturdy yet tender base that holds everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats: Adds a hearty, chewy texture to the crumble topping and crust.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Brings warm sweetness and a slight molasses note to the dough.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances out the sweetness with clean, simple sugar.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the crumb mixture rise just enough for a perfect tender bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to lighten the texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apples adds warmth and spice.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the dry ingredients and gives the crust its rich, buttery flavor.
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples: Choose crisp baking apples for perfect tender yet firm apple pieces.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning while adding subtle tang.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Lightly sweetens the apple filling without overwhelming their natural flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkled on the apples for an extra warm spice note.
- 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce: The rich and gooey soul of the bars, creating that irresistible salted caramel layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top at the end to enhance the caramel and add delightful texture.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumble Mix
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper—this little step makes cleanup a breeze! Combine your flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Then, pour in the melted butter and mix everything until crumbly dough forms. This mixture serves double duty as both the crust and the crumble topping, so be sure it’s evenly blended with no dry pockets.
Step 2: Press the Crust
Press about two thirds of that crumbly dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Getting the crust nice and compact is important to give your bars a sturdy base that holds up beautifully after baking. This is where your bars start to take shape!
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss those diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. The lemon juice brightens the apples and stops them from turning brown, while the cinnamon and sugar add that classic apple pie flavor we all crave. Once well coated, spread this mixture evenly over the crust.
Step 4: Add the Caramel and Final Crumble
Now for the star component: drizzle the thick caramel sauce over the apple layer in dollops or lines, ensuring a luscious, gooey caramel surprise in every bite. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly on top to create a beautiful, golden crumble topping once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bars for 35 to 40 minutes until the crumble is perfectly golden and you see the filling bubbling at the edges—this bubbling is a sure sign your apples are tender and juicy on the inside.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is key for clean slicing and letting all the flavors meld together beautifully. Finally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top to enhance the sweet and salty contrast before slicing into bars.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra flakes of sea salt on top can elevate the presentation and flavor. For a cozy vibe, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream that gently melts into the warm crumble.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a cup of hot tea, coffee, or even chai for a perfectly paired fall-inspired treat. They also play wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a spiced cider to complement the caramel and apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Are you hosting a brunch or holiday party? Arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra caramel sauce for dipping, or drizzle lightly with homemade caramel and sprinkle crushed toasted nuts for an extra crunch that impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last a little longer, keep them refrigerated, which will maintain their texture and flavor for up to a week.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and refresh with a quick warm-up in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat the bars in a 300°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes to restore that just-baked warmth and soft texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust a little soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their firmness and tangy flavor, you can experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or even Gala apples. Just be sure they hold up well during baking to avoid a mushy filling.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper to line the pan?
Using parchment paper is highly recommended because it makes removing the bars from the pan much easier, helping you achieve perfectly shaped slices every time without any sticking or crumbling.
Can I substitute the caramel sauce with homemade caramel?
Definitely! If you prefer making your own caramel, a simple sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cream, and a pinch of sea salt will work wonderfully and add an extra personal touch.
Are these bars suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, these bars freeze and reheat beautifully, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert. Just be sure to wrap them well to preserve freshness and texture.
What is the best way to slice these bars after baking?
Wait until the bars have fully cooled to room temperature before slicing. Use a sharp knife and clean the blade between cuts for neat, tidy bars that hold together nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe is truly a slice of autumnal heaven. It combines comforting textures and flavors in a way that feels both sophisticated and homey. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet afternoon or impressing friends at a gathering, these bars deliver pure joy in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just as I have!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars combine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat crumble and rich salted caramel. Perfect for fall, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors in an easy-to-make dessert bar.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumble
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Apple Filling
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Make Crumble Dough: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough texture.
- Form Crust: Press about two thirds of the crumbly dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust layer.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated and flavorful.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Then drizzle the caramel sauce evenly across the apples. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumbly dough over the top as the crumble topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan to set. Once cooled, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a perfect salted caramel finish.
- Serve: Slice into 16 bars and serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance of tartness.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat edges.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
