Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min

Paula

Daily Culinary Pleasures

Salted caramel apple crumble bars freshly baked and served in a rustic pan

Why make this recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect fall treat that combines sweet and savory flavors. They are easy to make in just 45 minutes and will quickly become a favorite in your household. The combination of tender apples, rich caramel, and a crunchy crumble topping creates a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a tasty snack, these bars hit the spot!

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:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
  3. Add flour and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture over the crust in the pan.
  5. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples. Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
  7. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

How to serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Serve these bars warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or can be topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. Pair them with a hot cup of cider or coffee, and you have a delightful fall snack!

How to store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.

Tips to make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor.
  • If you don’t have salted caramel sauce, you can easily make your own or use regular caramel sauce with a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
  • Ensure the apples are thinly sliced to make them tender during baking.

Variation

You can add nuts, like chopped walnuts or pecans, to the crumble mixture for added crunch. For a fun twist, consider adding dried cranberries or raisins to the apple filling for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using them in the recipe.

2. Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for this recipe, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer more texture and nutrition.

3. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Delightful fall treat combining sweet and savory flavors with tender apples, rich caramel, and a crunchy crumble topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American, Fall
Servings 12 bars
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the crust and crumble topping

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted Use 2 sticks of butter
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the filling

  • 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium) Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce Can be homemade or store-bought
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the 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 the mixture is crumbly. Press about two-thirds of this 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.

Baking

  • 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.

Notes

Serve warm or at room temperature. Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week. Wrap tightly for freezing up to 3 months.
Keyword Apple Crumble, Bars, DESSERT, Fall Treat, salted caramel

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