Hey there, fellow baker! Today, I’ve got a scrumptious treat that’s perfect for those cozy afternoons when you’re craving something both sweet and comforting. Let me introduce you to my Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars— a delightful mix of sweet apples, buttery crumble, and heavenly salted caramel. Every bite is like a little piece of fall bliss, no fancy words needed here!
These bars always take me back to those autumn days with my kids, where we’d spend time picking apples at the orchard and inevitably end up with more apples than we could feasibly eat. There’s something magical about turning those apples into a batch of these delicious bars. They’re also great for potlucks or just as an afternoon pick-me-up. Before we dive in, take a peek at my Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes for another breakfast treat that’s sure to wow the family!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Simple and Quick: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated steps or gadgets. If I can whip these up with kids in tow, you certainly can too!
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The sweet-tart apples paired with that luscious salted caramel sauce create a flavor combo even the fussiest eaters can’t resist.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 servings, these bars are ideal for sharing with friends and family — or for keeping all to yourself, no judgment here!
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
Step-by-step instructions
Preparing the Crust and Crumble:
Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the flour and stir until the mixture turns crumbly.
Press and Reserve: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside the remaining mixture for the topping.
Preparing the Apple Filling:
Mix the Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Layer: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
Add Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce generously over the apples.
Assembling and Baking:
Add the Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and fragrant.
Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Recipe tips & variations
- Nutty Twist:Why not add some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble mix? They add a lovely crunch and extra flavor dimension.
- Spice It Up:For a little extra warmth, try adding a pinch of cloves or cardamom into the apple mix.
- Caramel Choice:If you’re not into salted caramel, normal caramel sauce works just as well.
Storage & reheating
YourSalted Caramel Apple Crumble Barscan be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Personally, I love them slightly warm, so I just pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before diving in.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches would each bring their own delicious twist to these bars.
How can I make the bars gluten-free?
Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. Worked like a charm whenever I’ve tried it.
Is it possible to make these dairy-free?
Yes, just use dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.
What’s the best way to peel apples quickly?
A good peeler is your best friend! I find it’s easiest to peel the apples before coring and slicing to save time.
Recipes you may like
And there you have it, friends! A super cozy and scrumptious treat to share or savor all to yourself. Happy baking!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars perfect for cozy afternoons.
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
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Then add the flour, stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Take about two-thirds of this crumbly mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Set aside the remaining crumble mix for the topping.
- In another bowl, toss your sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Spread this apple mixture over the crust in your pan.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples generously.
- Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top of everything.
- Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden.
- Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
Notes
- Nutty Twist: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble mix.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom into the apple mix.
- Caramel Choice: Use normal caramel sauce if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg