Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect fall treat, combining tender spiced apples with a buttery crumble and a rich drizzle of salted caramel. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are great for potlucks, desserts, or 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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
4. Step 4: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apples with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg until evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Spread the spiced apple mixture over the crust layer in the pan.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
8. Step 8: Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the caramel layer to cover the top.
9. Step 9: Bake the bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
10. Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping before baking.
• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast, or Fuji apples for a sweeter bar.
• Substitute the salted caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a fresher taste.
• Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt on top after baking to enhance the salted caramel flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to restore softness and the warm caramel flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

While fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen apples. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy crust.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in a 1:1 ratio, and ensure your caramel sauce is gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe

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Delight in these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, a perfect fall treat combining tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery crumble and rich salted caramel drizzle. These bars offer a deliciously sweet and slightly salty flavor with a crisp, golden topping—a wonderful dessert for cozy autumn days.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Crust and Topping:

• 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

Filling:

• 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

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
2. Make Crust and Topping Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the all-purpose flour until the mixture becomes crumbly but well combined.
3. Press Base Layer: Press about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming the crust.
4. Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with the ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg to evenly coat the fruit with spice.
5. Assemble Bars: Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the apples. Finally, crumble the remaining one-third of the flour mixture over the top to form the crumbly topping.
6. Bake: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when tested with a fork.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• For an extra indulgent touch, serve bars with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Ensure apples are sliced uniformly for even cooking.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Salted caramel, apple crumble bars, fall dessert, caramel apple bars, autumn treat