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

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a perfect treat for fall. They are easy to make and combine the delicious flavors of sweet apples, buttery crumble, and rich salted caramel. Every bite is a delightful mix of textures, from the soft apples to the crunchy topping. Plus, they are quick to prepare, taking only 45 minutes from start to finish. This recipe is sure to become a favorite for any occasion, from cozy gatherings to simple family snacks.

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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 flour and stir until the mixture becomes 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 this apple mixture over the crust in the pan.
Drizzle 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 can be served warm or at room temperature. They are perfect on their own or paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Consider drizzling additional salted caramel sauce on top for an even richer flavor. These bars are great for dessert, snacks, or sweet breakfast bites!

how to store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

To store the bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. These bars can also be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing.

tips to make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of flavor with the sweet caramel.
Make sure not to overmix the crumble topping; it should remain crumbly, not a dough.
If you prefer a thicker layer of apples, feel free to add more than three cups!
For extra flavor, try adding chopped nuts to the crumble mixture.

variation

You can also add dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture for a different twist. Additionally, try switching out the salted caramel with chocolate sauce if you prefer chocolate.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Yes, feel free to use store-bought salted caramel sauce to save time.

2. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free variation.