If you are craving a sweet treat that blends the warm flavors of autumn with a delightful twist, you will fall in love with Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. These bars bring together tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a buttery oat crumble crust, then crowned with luscious salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Each bite balances soft, sweet, tart, and salty notes perfectly, making them an irresistible dessert or snack that feels both cozy and indulgent. Once you try this incredible ultimate recipe, it’s sure to become your go-to dessert whenever you want to impress family or friends with something simple yet unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create depth of flavor and texture. Each item plays a vital role—from the crumbly oat base to the juicy, spiced apples and rich caramel finish—giving you a dessert that feels as special as it tastes.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the tender, crumbly crust that holds everything together.
- 1/2 cup rolled oats: Adds a wholesome texture and rustic charm to the crumble topping.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed: Brings a deep caramel sweetness that complements the apples and caramel sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the crumble with warm, cozy spice notes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Binds the dry ingredients and creates a rich, buttery crumble.
- 2 large apples peeled, cored, and diced: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a bright, balanced flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apples just enough without overpowering their natural tartness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds freshness and prevents the apples from browning.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the apple filling.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Gives a subtle spicy lift to the fruit mixture.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star ingredient that melts into gooey, rich pockets of sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a sophisticated salty crunch.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a lovely nutty texture and extra flavor contrast.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Topping
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about one-third of this mixture for the topping and firmly press the remaining two-thirds evenly into the pan to create a sturdy crust that will hold up under the juicy filling.
Step 2: Toss the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. This spice blend enhances the natural apple flavor while the lemon juice keeps the fruit fresh and vibrant. Make sure each apple piece is evenly coated, as this will ensure the filling is perfectly sweet and aromatic once baked.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Then, generously drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples. If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for added texture and nuttiness. Finally, crumble the reserved oat mixture over the entire dish and gently press it down to create a lovely textured topping that bakes to golden perfection.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Bake the bars for 35 to 40 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly across the surface to add a tantalizing salty contrast to the sweet caramel. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang, then cut into sixteen delicious pieces.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are perfect on their own, but you can elevate their presentation with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can also add an inviting finishing touch that makes them feel extra special at your table.
Side Dishes
Serve your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea, rich coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for a comforting and balanced snack. For a larger dessert spread, consider pairing them with other fall flavors like pumpkin spice or pecan pie for a seasonal celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these bars into a dessert parfait by layering chunks of the crumble bars with whipped cream and fresh apple slices in a clear glass. Alternatively, serve smaller bars with fresh fruit slices and a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful tea party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to five days. Keeping them covered well ensures they stay moist and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
To freeze, cut the bars into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving cold.
Reheating
Warm the bars gently in a low oven (around 300 degrees F) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual bars for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up that brings out the gooey caramel and soft apples.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a sweeter or more nuanced flavor. Just make sure they hold their shape well during baking.
Is it necessary to use flaky sea salt?
Flaky sea salt adds a subtle crunch and a burst of saltiness to contrast the sweetness of the caramel. If you don’t have it, a pinch of regular fine salt can suffice, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
Can I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce often has a richer, deeper flavor. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before drizzling over the apples to avoid melting the crumble topping too much.
What if I don’t have rolled oats?
If you don’t have rolled oats, you can substitute with quick oats, though the texture will be a bit finer. Avoid instant oats as they may become too mushy during baking.
How do I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?
Pressing the crust firmly into the pan and letting the bars cool completely before cutting helps maintain their structure. Also, avoid overloading the filling with juice by tossing the apples well with sugar and spices and draining any excess moisture if needed.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Their perfect balance of tart apples, buttery crumble, and rich caramel makes them a standout dessert to savor any time of year. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home as well. Trust me, once you taste these bars, you’ll be coming back for more again and again!
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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these heavenly Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, an ultimate dessert combining tender apples, buttery crumble, and rich caramel with a hint of sea salt. Perfect for fall, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors with a crunchy topping, making them ideal for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumble
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Apple Filling
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Topping and Garnish
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, light brown sugar, salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press about two-thirds of this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to create the crust base.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and diced apples with granulated sugar, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until the pieces are well coated.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apples, then sprinkle with chopped pecans if using. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top and lightly press it down to adhere.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is tender and bubbly.
- Add Salt and Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel flavor. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang.
- Serve: Cut into 16 bars. Serve at room temperature or warmed, optionally with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert treat.
Notes
- For extra gooey bars, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling over the apples.
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to balance sweetness and add bright flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Bars taste delicious warm, especially when served with vanilla ice cream.
