There’s something magical about the combination of warm apples, rich caramel, and a crumbly topping that makes Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars an irresistible treat. Imagine biting into a buttery crust with a gooey center, all while the sweet aroma wafts through your kitchen—pure bliss!
These delectable bars are perfect for cozy family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that will have you reminiscing about fall days spent apple picking. Trust me; these bars are not just a dessert—they’re an experience that promises to elevate any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor
- The layering of textures—from crunchy to gooey—creates a delightful sensory experience
- Their golden-brown color and caramel shine make them visually stunning for any gathering
- Enjoy them at parties, picnics, or simply as an afternoon snack with coffee
My friends always rave about these bars when I bring them to gatherings—there’s nothing quite like watching their eyes light up after the first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for creating that perfect crust and crumble texture; it’s the backbone of these bars.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and enhances the flavors of the apples; don’t skimp on this!
Brown Sugar: Use dark brown sugar for richer caramel notes in both the filling and crumble topping.
Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter; it gives richness to the crust and adds flavor.
Sliced Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best; their tartness balances beautifully with the sweetness of caramel.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but homemade offers superior flavor; drizzle generously for best results.
Cinnamon: Just a pinch elevates the apple flavor and adds warmth to every bite.
Oats: Rolled oats add texture to the crumble topping; they create a delightful crunch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the Crust Mix: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs—think sandcastles at the beach.
Add Oats & Cinnamon: Stir in rolled oats and cinnamon into the crust mixture until evenly distributed. The oats should feel like little grains of happiness sprinkled throughout.
Press Into Pan & Bake: Press two-thirds of this mixture firmly into your prepared pan. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden—it will smell divine!
Create Apple Filling: Meanwhile, mix sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in another bowl—this will create an irresistible filling that’s both sweet and fragrant.
Layer & Finish Baking: Spread those beautiful apple slices over your baked crust evenly. Drizzle salted caramel sauce generously over them. Sprinkle remaining crust mixture on top before returning to oven for an additional 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool completely before cutting into bars—this might be torture as you wait for those heavenly smells to fill your home!
Now that you’ve mastered making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, prepare yourself for compliments from friends and family! These bars combine sweetness with just enough saltiness from caramel that leaves everyone wanting more. So grab your apron and get ready to impress! For more inspiration, check out this more dessert ideas recipe.
You Must Know
- Salted caramel apple crumble bars are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a buttery crust and gooey filling
- The warm aroma of baked apples will fill your kitchen, making it impossible to resist sneaking a piece right out of the oven
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your crust while the apples are simmering. This ensures everything bakes evenly and saves time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different fruit like pears or berries for a unique flavor twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for that freshly baked taste.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect balance with sweetness
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it helps achieve a flaky crust
- Drizzle extra caramel on top before serving for added indulgence
Baking these salted caramel apple crumble bars reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fights over the last piece. Their smiles made every effort worthwhile! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
FAQ
What kind of apples are best for salted caramel apple crumble bars?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for balanced flavor.
Can I make salted caramel apple crumble bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and store them properly.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Blind bake the crust briefly before adding the filling to maintain its crunchiness.
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, featuring a buttery crust layered with tender, spiced apples and drizzled with rich salted caramel. Perfect for any gathering, these bars offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. With minimal effort required, you can whip up this indulgent treat in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (dark)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 2 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in oats and cinnamon.
- Press two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, combine sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread apple mixture over the baked crust and drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining crust mixture on top and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
