If you are looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors with a tender, crumbly texture, this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. These bars bring together juicy, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled between layers of buttery crumble and a drizzle of luscious salted caramel, creating an irresistible treat that captures the cozy spirit of fall in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe lies in its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—flour and butter create that perfect crumbly base, apples bring natural sweetness and moisture, and the salted caramel adds a rich, indulgent finish.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for the crust and crumble topping, providing structure and texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, molasses undertone to both crust and filling.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep the crumble wonderfully tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed): The secret to that melt-in-your-mouth crumbly texture in the crust and topping.
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium): Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the apple filling while complementing the tartness of the fruit.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with warm spice that’s quintessential apple season.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the apple flavors and prevents browning during prep.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce: Adds luscious, gooey richness that makes these bars truly decadent.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Sprinkled on top to create that perfect sweet-salty contrast that defines this recipe.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Then, add the cold, cubed butter and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs—this texture ensures a crumbly, buttery crust and topping.
Step 2: Form the Crust
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Don’t be shy about pressing it down—it’s important this layer is compact to hold the filling and bake evenly. This will be your sturdy, delicious crust that forms the base of your bars.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a fresh zing but also prevents the apples from browning before baking. The cinnamon adds that perfect warm spice that’s essential for any great apple dessert.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the apple mixture in an even layer over the crust in your baking dish. Then crumble the remaining one-third of the crust mixture over the apples, allowing some chunks to remain for a satisfyingly varied texture when baked.
Step 5: Bake and Finish with Salted Caramel
Bake your bars for 35 to 40 minutes, until the crumble topping turns a gorgeous golden color and the apples are tender and bubbling with warmth. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before drizzling the caramel sauce over the top. Finish by sprinkling sea salt for that iconic sweet and salty flavor combo. Allow them to cool completely before slicing so the bars hold their shape perfectly.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider garnishing these bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch that complements the softness of the crumble.
Side Dishes
While these bars are delicious on their own, serving them alongside a hot cup of spiced chai or a rich cup of coffee enhances their warm spices and caramel notes. For a cozy fall dessert spread, pair them with warm mulled cider or even a creamy latte.
Creative Ways to Present
You can cut the bars into smaller bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a festive platter for party sharing. Alternatively, stack a few squares on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and fresh apple slices for a charming fall-themed presentation that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed protects the crumbly texture and maintains the freshness of the apples inside without drying out the crust.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen bars maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring your salted caramel apple crumble bars back to life, warm them gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This will melt the caramel slightly and revive that fresh-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While firm apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold up best, you can mix varieties for a more complex flavor. Just avoid overly soft apples that will turn mushy when baked.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix suitable for cookies or crumb toppings. Just ensure the blend includes xanthan gum to help bind everything together.
How do I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?
Making caramel at home is simple: melt sugar in a pan until amber, then carefully whisk in butter and heavy cream. Allow the sauce to cool slightly before drizzling it over your bars for a fresh, rich caramel flavor.
Can I prepare the bars ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the bars and refrigerate them overnight before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since your mixture will be cold coming out of the fridge.
What’s the best way to cut these bars without crumbling?
Use a sharp knife warmed by running under hot water and wiped dry to get clean, precise cuts. Letting the bars cool completely before cutting also helps maintain their form.
Final Thoughts
With their perfectly buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and that dreamy salted caramel drizzle, these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe will quickly become the highlight of your dessert table. I can’t recommend them enough for cozy family gatherings, seasonal celebrations, or any time you want a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug. Give this recipe a try, and watch it disappear bite by bite!
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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars combine a buttery crumble crust with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a drizzle of rich salted caramel. Perfect for fall and easy to bake, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the crust and crumble:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the filling:
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the salted caramel:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Make the crust and crumble mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture forms coarse crumbs similar to wet sand.
- Form the crust: Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a firm base for the bars.
- Prepare the apple filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice to evenly coat and enhance flavor while preventing browning.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pressed crust, then crumble the remaining crust mixture on top of the apples to create a textured topping.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly.
- Cool and add caramel: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the warm bars and sprinkle with sea salt to create the signature salted caramel flavor.
- Final cooling and serving: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set before slicing into 16 squares and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the apple filling along with the cinnamon.
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
- Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
