why make this recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect treat for fall. They combine the sweetness of apples, the richness of caramel, and a delicious crumbly topping. These bars are easy to make and are great for sharing with family and friends. In just 45 minutes, you can create a dessert that will have everyone coming back for more!

how to make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
Add flour and stir until crumbly. Press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a separate bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread apple mixture over the crust in the pan.
Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples. Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

how to serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

These bars are best served at room temperature. You can cut them into squares and place them on a serving platter. They taste great on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzling a little extra salted caramel sauce can make them even more delicious!

how to store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

To store your salted caramel apple crumble bars, place them in an airtight container. They can last at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

tips to make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Use a mix of apple varieties for added flavor. Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp apples add sweetness.
Make sure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding it to the mixture to avoid cooking the sugar.
Don’t skip the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg; they really enhance the apple flavor.

variation

You can add nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumble topping for some extra crunch. Another variation is to use different fruit, like pears or cherries, instead of apples.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s salted caramel for the best flavor.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars