Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

This salted caramel apple crumble bar recipe transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible fall dessert that balances sweet apples with buttery crumble and rich caramel. The combination creates the perfect treat for autumn gatherings or weekend baking projects.

I first made these bars for a neighborhood autumn potluck and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now my family requests them as soon as the first leaves begin to change color each fall.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Gives the crumble its rich foundation while allowing you to control the salt level
• Granulated sugar: Provides the perfect sweetness without overwhelming the apple flavor
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the crumble and filling
• All purpose flour: Creates the perfect crumbly texture that holds together when baked
• Fresh apples: Are the star ingredient choose firm varieties that hold their shape when baked
• Salted caramel sauce: Brings complex sweetness and balances the tartness of the apples
• Ground cinnamon: Adds classic fall warmth that pairs perfectly with apples
• Ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle aromatic quality that elevates the entire dessert

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Pan:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Make sure the parchment covers all corners to prevent sticking.

Mix the Crumble Base:

In a large bowl combine your melted butter with the granulated sugar until completely incorporated. The mixture should look slightly grainy but uniform. Add the vanilla extract and salt stirring to distribute evenly. The vanilla adds incredible aroma while the salt balances the sweetness.

Add Flour to Form Crumble:

Gradually add the flour to your butter mixture stirring until you achieve a crumbly consistency. The mixture should hold together when pressed but break apart easily. This texture is crucial for both the base and topping.

Create the Bottom Layer:

Take approximately two thirds of your crumble mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a measuring cup to create a smooth compact layer. This foundation needs to be solid to support the apple filling.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

In a separate bowl toss your thinly sliced peeled apples with cinnamon and nutmeg ensuring each slice is evenly coated with spices. The thickness of your apple slices matters aim for about 1/8 inch thick so they become tender during baking without turning mushy.

Layer the Components:

Arrange your spiced apple slices in an even layer over the crumble base. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples ensuring good coverage. Then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top creating a rustic uneven topping.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Bake in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes watching carefully toward the end. The topping should turn golden brown and you should see the apple filling bubbling slightly at the edges. These visual cues tell you the bars are properly baked.

Cool Completely:

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to cut them. This cooling period is essential for the filling to set properly and prevents the bars from falling apart when cut.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the salted caramel sauce meets the warm spiced apples during baking. The caramel slightly infuses into the fruit creating pockets of gooey sweetness that contrast beautifully with the crumbly topping. My daughter always steals the corner pieces because they have the perfect ratio of crunchy edges to soft center.

Perfect Apple Selection

The type of apple you choose dramatically impacts the final result of these bars. Granny Smith apples provide tartness that balances the sweet caramel while Honeycrisp offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart with excellent texture retention. Fuji apples bring natural sweetness and hold their shape well during baking. For the most complex flavor consider using a combination of apple varieties in the same batch. Regardless of type make sure your apples are firm and fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Make-Ahead Options

These caramel apple crumble bars are perfect for preparing in advance. You can make the crumble mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before assembling and baking. The fully baked bars can be frozen for up to three months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. For a special touch warm individual portions slightly in the microwave and top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

While these bars are delicious on their own they become an extraordinary dessert when served slightly warm with additions. Try topping with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream which melts slightly into the warm bar creating a creamy contrast to the crunchy topping. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream also works beautifully. For an extra special presentation drizzle additional warmed caramel sauce over the plated bars and finish with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the salted caramel flavor.

Caramel Sauce Options

The salted caramel sauce is a crucial element in this recipe that brings everything together. While store bought caramel sauce works perfectly well making your own elevates these bars to something truly special. Homemade caramel sauce requires just sugar butter heavy cream and salt but delivers incomparable fresh flavor. If using store bought opt for a high quality brand that uses real butter and cream rather than oils and corn syrup. For a variation try bourbon caramel sauce which adds complex notes that complement the apples wonderfully.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best for these crumble bars?

While you can use your favorite variety, firm apples that hold their shape when baked are ideal. Granny Smith provides tartness to balance the sweet caramel, while Honeycrisp or Fuji offer a sweeter profile with excellent texture. A combination of apple varieties can also create more complex flavors.

→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors actually develop and improve after the first day.

→ How do I know when the bars are properly baked?

Look for a golden brown top and edges that are slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan. The apple layer should be tender when pierced with a knife. Properly baked bars will still have some moisture from the apples and caramel but shouldn't be soupy.

→ Can I freeze these caramel apple bars?

Absolutely! Once completely cooled, cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

→ Do I need to use homemade caramel sauce?

Both homemade and store-bought caramel sauces work well. If using store-bought, look for a high-quality, thick salted caramel sauce. For homemade, ensure it has cooled slightly before drizzling over the apples to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

→ Can I add nuts or other ingredients to the crumble topping?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds make excellent additions to the crumble topping. You can also add oats (about 1/2 cup) to the topping portion for extra texture, or mix in 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom or ginger for additional warm spice notes.