Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Prepare to be utterly captivated by this irresistible dessert that perfectly marries the comforting flavors of fall with a touch of decadent indulgence! Imagine sinking your teeth into a buttery, crumbly oat base, layered with tender, spiced apples, and then drizzled generously with a luscious, homemade salted caramel. Are you drooling yet?

Apple crumble, in its various forms, has been a beloved dessert for generations, tracing its roots back to simpler times when resourceful cooks sought to make the most of seasonal fruits. The addition of salted caramel, however, elevates this classic to a whole new level of sophistication. The sweet and salty combination is a modern twist that has taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason!

People adore these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars because they offer the best of both worlds: the warm, comforting familiarity of apple crumble and the exciting, addictive flavor of salted caramel. The soft, yielding apples contrast beautifully with the crisp, golden crumble topping, while the salted caramel adds a rich, buttery depth that is simply divine. Plus, these bars are incredibly convenient to make and serve, making them perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply a cozy night in. Get ready to experience a taste sensation that will have everyone begging for more!

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (50g) rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks or 170g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• For the Apple Filling:
  • 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

Preparing the Crust

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent texture for the crust.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should have some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This is crucial for creating a flaky crust. If you’re using your fingertips, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
3. Press Half into Pan: Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even and compact layer. This will be the base of our crumble bars, so we want it nice and sturdy.
4. Pre-bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This pre-baking step helps the crust hold its shape and prevents it from becoming soggy when we add the apple filling. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling.

Making the Apple Filling

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. I like to use a combination of apple varieties for a more complex flavor, but you can use your favorite type.
2. Combine with Sugar and Spices: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. The flour will help to thicken the filling as it bakes.
3. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds a touch of brightness to the filling but also helps to prevent the apples from browning.

Creating the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar melts and turns into a golden amber color. This process requires patience, so don’t rush it. You can gently swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even melting. Be careful not to burn the sugar, as it will become bitter.
2. Add the Butter: Once the sugar is completely melted and amber in color, carefully add the butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Whisk constantly until the butter is completely melted and incorporated into the sugar.
3. Pour in the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. The mixture will bubble up again, so be prepared. Continue whisking until the caramel sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in Vanilla and Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Adjust the amount of salt to your liking. I prefer a generous pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness of the caramel.
5. Cool Slightly: Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using. It will thicken as it cools.

Assembling and Baking the Crumble Bars

1. Pour Apple Filling: Pour the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Spread it out so that it covers the entire surface.
2. Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Drizzle about half of the salted caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling. Reserve the remaining caramel sauce for serving.
3. Sprinkle with Remaining Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apple filling and caramel sauce. Gently press the crumble topping down to help it adhere to the filling.
4. Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bars.
5. Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important because the filling will continue to set as it cools. Cooling completely will prevent the bars from falling apart when you cut them. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
6. Cut and Serve: Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares and serve. Drizzle with the reserved salted caramel sauce before serving, if desired. These bars are delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Tips and Variations

• Apple Variety: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smith apples will add a tartness that balances the sweetness of the caramel, while softer apples like McIntosh will break down more during baking, creating a saucier filling.
• Nut Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice it Up: For a warmer, spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the apple filling.
• Caramel Swirl: Instead of drizzling the caramel sauce on top of the apple filling, try swirling it in with a knife for a marbled effect.
• Make Ahead: The crumble bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
• Serving Suggestion: Warm the bars slightly before serving and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra salted caramel sauce.

Conclusion:

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are truly something special, and I wholeheartedly believe you need to make them. The combination of the buttery, crumbly base, the sweet and tart apple filling, and that luscious salted caramel drizzle is simply irresistible. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds (and the recipe!). Trust me, the slight tang of the apples perfectly complements the rich caramel, creating a balanced sweetness that isn’t cloying. It’s the perfect treat for a cozy autumn evening, a holiday gathering, or just because you deserve something utterly delicious.

But beyond the incredible taste, these bars are surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, and even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll find it manageable. The crumble topping comes together in minutes, and the apple filling is a breeze to prepare. Plus, the salted caramel, while seemingly fancy, is actually quite simple to whip up on the stovetop. It’s a rewarding baking project that yields impressive results with minimal fuss.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to enjoy these delectable bars! They’re fantastic served warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. The contrast of the warm crumble and the cold ice cream is heavenly. Alternatively, you can let them cool completely and enjoy them as a handheld treat. They’re perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking on picnics.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking.

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to the apple filling for a warmer, more festive flavor.
* Nutty addition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added crunch and flavor.
* Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars along with the salted caramel for an extra decadent treat.
* Different apples: Experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith for a tarter flavor or Honeycrisp for a sweeter one. A mix of varieties can also add complexity.
* Caramel variations: If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own homemade salted caramel sauce from scratch. There are tons of recipes online, and it’s a fun way to elevate the dish. Or, for a quicker option, use a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on this recipe! Baking should be fun, so feel free to experiment and see what works best for you.

I truly believe that this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe is a winner. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and sophisticated flavors, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible bars.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I love hearing from you and seeing your creations! Happy baking!

---