Name: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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

Why Make This Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect fall treat. With the mix of sweet apples, gooey caramel, and a crumbly topping, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are easy to make, and you can enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later. Plus, they are great for sharing at parties or just enjoying at home with family.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

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:

Preheat your 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 the 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 the sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture over the crust in the pan.
Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples. Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top.
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.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

These bars are best served at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra special treat. They make a delightful dessert for gatherings or a cozy night in.

How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for about a week. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

For extra flavor, try using different types of apples such as Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
If you love caramel, feel free to add more salted caramel sauce on top.
Make sure to slice the apples thinly for even cooking.

Variation

You can also add nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch. You could swap out the apples for other fruits like pears or cherries if you prefer.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Yes, pre-made salted caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure it’s a quality brand for the best flavor.

Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.

What is the best way to cut these bars?
Let the bars cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If the knife gets sticky, you can dip it in warm water and wipe it clean between cuts.