Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Paula

Daily Culinary Pleasures

Salted caramel apple crumble bars topped with a golden crumble crust.

Why You’ll Love These Crumble Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars combine the best of both worlds—sweet apples and rich caramel, all wrapped up in a delicious, crumbly topping. They offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The crunchy oat topping, tender apples, and gooey caramel come together to create a delightful dessert that’s hard to resist. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family!

Making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Press half of this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the crumb layer.
  5. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples, ensuring it’s distributed well.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the caramel and apples.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  8. Let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares.

Serving Up the Perfect Crumble Bars

These dessert bars are best enjoyed fresh, but they’re just as delightful after a little time in the fridge. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or drizzle extra caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. They make a wonderful dessert after dinner or a sweet snack during the day.

Storing Your Delicious Bars

To keep your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. Just make sure they are covered well to prevent them from drying out.

Tips for Making the Best Crumble Bars

  • Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, select fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Don’t Overmix: When combining the crumble, mix until just combined to keep it from becoming too dense.
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for an extra flavor boost.

Fun Variations to Try

  • Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble mixture for added crunch.
  • Different Fruits: Substitute apples with pears or berries for a different fruity flavor.
  • Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based caramel sauce for a vegan-friendly version.

Nutritional Information

(For one bar, servings based on recipe divided into 12 bars)

  • Calories: Approximately 230
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 2g

Family-Friendly Serving Ideas

Serve these crumble bars during family gatherings or as a comforting treat after a weekend meal. Pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a lovely afternoon snack. Kids will love them as a lunchbox surprise!

Pairing Suggestions for Enjoyment

These bars pair well with a variety of drinks. Consider serving them with cold milk, hot coffee, or even a sweet cider. They also work wonderfully alongside a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.

FAQs

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

2. How can I tell when they are ready?
The crumble bars are done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container after they cool down.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Delicious dessert bars combining sweet apples and rich caramel, wrapped in a crunchy oat topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 12 bars
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crumble Topping

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

  • 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced Use fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly.
  • Press half of this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.

Filling

  • In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the crumb layer.
  • Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples, ensuring it’s distributed well.
  • Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the caramel and apples.

Baking

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  • Let the bars cool completely before slicing them into squares.

Notes

These bars are best enjoyed fresh or after a little time in the fridge. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or drizzle extra caramel sauce. Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Keyword apple dessert, Caramel Bars, Crumble Bars, Crumble Recipe, Sweet Snack

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