Imagine sinking your teeth into a dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple crumble with a decadent salted caramel twist. These Apple Crumble Bars are not just a treat; they're a culinary experience that will transport you to a cozy autumn afternoon, where every bite promises a perfect balance of crispy, buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and rich, gooey caramel. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a dessert lover looking for your next obsession, these bars are about to become your new favorite indulgence!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups diced apples
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and starts to hold together.
- Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer. Use the back of a spoon or measuring cup to compact the crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly over the prepared crust, ensuring complete coverage.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the apple layer, allowing it to spread naturally.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the caramel and apples, creating a rustic, uneven topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. This allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 12 even bars, ensuring each piece has a mix of crust, apple, and caramel.
- Optional: Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce on top before serving for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for maintaining texture and preventing soggy bars.
- Room temperature butter is key: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the perfect crumbly crust.
- Don't skip the parchment paper: This makes removing and cutting the bars a breeze and prevents sticking.
- Let the bars cool completely: Patience is crucial! Cutting too soon will result in messy, falling-apart bars.
- For extra decadence, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.Pro tip: The salted caramel sauce is what elevates these bars from good to extraordinary, so don't be shy with the drizzle!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 40mg
