As the crisp fall air settles in, the heart of the kitchen transforms into a sanctuary of warmth and comfort. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat—an irresistible dessert perfect for cozy gatherings. These bars fuse tender apples, rich salted caramel drizzles, and a buttery crumble that dances on your taste buds. Not only are they a crowd-pleaser, but they’re also a breeze to make, allowing you to whip them up in no time for family and friends. So, why not indulge in this delightful autumn dessert that echoes those nostalgic moments spent in grandma’s kitchen? Are you ready to create something comforting and delicious? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Bars a Must-Try? Heavenly Flavor: Each bite bursts with sweet, spiced apples and velvety salted caramel, creating an unforgettable taste sensation that feels like a warm hug. Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for family gatherings or potlucks, these bars are sure to impress your guests and delight their taste buds. Versatile Options: Try mixing in nuts or oats for added crunch, or swap the apples for your favorite fall fruits. Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars can easily be prepared a day in advance, making them a fantastic option for busy weekends or special occasions. Discover more seasonal delights by checking out our Oatmeal Crumble Bars or Salted Caramel Bars for the perfect finish to your fall festivities! Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Ingredients For the Crust and Crumble • Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; for a dairy-free option, consider using margarine. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the base and crumble; adjust depending on the sweetness of your apples. • Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic depth and flavor; almond extract can be used sparingly for a different note. • Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste for the right salt balance. • All-purpose Flour – Gives structure to the bars; gluten-free flour blend may work but can alter texture. For the Apple Filling • Apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) – Adds tartness and sweetness; any firm, sweet-tart apple variety works well for these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. • Ground Cinnamon – Enhances the fall flavor profile; using freshly grated will provide a more vibrant taste. • Ground Nutmeg – A warm spice that complements the apples; fresh nutmeg offers a more intense flavor. For the Salted Caramel Layer • Salted Caramel Sauce – Brings a rich, sweet, and salty flavor layer; both store-bought and homemade can be used—just ensure it’s pourable. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing for easy removal of your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars once baked. This step ensures a perfectly baked crust that won’t stick to the pan. Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir these together until well-blended. Gradually add all-purpose flour and mix until the dough becomes crumbly. This mixture will serve both as the crust and crumble topping, capturing the essence of your fall treat. Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan Take about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture and evenly press it into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, creating a solid crust layer. Use the back of a measuring cup or your hands to compact it firmly. This base layer will provide a rich foundation for the soft apple filling beneath the delicious crumble. Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling In a separate bowl, toss together your sliced apples (preferably a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices for optimal flavor. Layer these spiced apple slices over the pressed crust, creating a beautiful and fragrant filling for your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Step 5: Add the Salted Caramel Sauce Drizzle your choice of salted caramel sauce generously over the arranged apple slices. Take your time to ensure an even distribution of caramel to enhance each bite of those delightful Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. The sauce will melt into the apples as they bake, creating a luscious and gooey texture. Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumble Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the salted caramel and apple layers, ensuring no areas are bare. This topping will become delightfully golden and crispy while baking, adding a satisfying crunch that complements the tender apple filling beneath it. Step 7: Bake the Bars Place the baking pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time; the aroma will guide you that they’re nearly ready. Step 8: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period is crucial as it helps the bars set, making them easier to slice. After cooling, cut into squares and serve at room temperature, or for an extra treat, warm them up slightly before enjoying! Make Ahead Options These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert with minimal effort on busy weeknights! You can prepare the crust and crumble mixture up to 24 hours in advance by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, helping to keep it fresh and ready for baking. Additionally, you can slice the apples and toss them with cinnamon and nutmeg up to 3 days ahead of time, keeping them in a sealed container to prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the bars by layering the ingredients and baking as instructed, ensuring you indulge in these incredible fall treats that are just as delicious as if they were made fresh! What to Serve with Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars? As you savor these delightful bars, consider complementing them with side dishes and drinks that enhance the cozy autumn vibe. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm bars, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds an elegant touch, offering a fluffy balance to the rich caramel and spiced apples. Warm Apple Cider: A steaming mug of spiced apple cider enhances the fall experience with flavors that echo the bars’ aromatic spices. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For an extra indulgence, serve with more warm caramel sauce drizzled on top—perfect for those who crave a little more sweetness! Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea beautifully echo the cinnamon and nutmeg in the bars, creating a comforting pairing. Pecan Pie Bars: If you’re in the mood for variety, these nutty bars add a textural crunch and sweet flavor that harmonize with the apple and caramel. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A seasonal favorite, this coffee brings warmth and spices that dance well alongside the flavors of the crumble bars. Nutty Granola: For a crunch element, sprinkle some nutty granola on your bars or serve it on the side for an added texture contrast. Hot Chocolate: In cooler weather, a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate offers a satisfying beverage that pairs perfectly with the sweet treats. Poached Pears: For a sophisticated dessert pairing, consider poached pears in a light syrup, offering a fresh and succulent counterpoint to the rich bars. How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their delightful texture. Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to a week. Just be sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying again. Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that gooey, comforting taste just like when they were freshly baked. Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars • Apple Variety Mix: Use a combination of apple types like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp to amplify flavor and texture in your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. • Don’t Overmix: When making the crumble, mix just until crumbly to prevent a tough texture. • Cooling Time: Be patient and let the bars cool completely in the pan. This helps them set, making slicing much easier without falling apart. • Tight Crust: Ensure the crust is pressed firmly into the pan for a solid base that holds everything together during baking. • Customize with Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or oats to the crumble topping for extra crunch and variations in texture. Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Variations Feel free to customize these bars with delightful twists to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with margarine and use dairy-free caramel to make this recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant friends. Gluten-Free: Switch all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for those avoiding gluten while still maintaining a deliciously gooey bar. Nuts for Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the apples perfectly. Oats Boost: Fold in rolled oats into the crumble for an extra chewy texture. The oats will soak up the caramel and offer a fantastic hearty twist! Spice Variations: Experiment with seasonal spices! Swap cinnamon with cardamom or add a pinch of cloves for a more complex flavor profile for your fall treat. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars just before serving for a rich, decadent garnish that chocolate lovers will adore. Fruit Swap: Get creative by using pears or peaches instead of apples for a refreshing alternative that still screams fall flavors. Chili Kick: For those who love heat, a dash of cayenne pepper in the apple filling adds a surprising yet delightful warmth that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. If you’re looking for more delectable treats, check out our Nutella Cheesecake Bars or warm up your evenings with our Crock Pot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham. Happy baking! Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe FAQs What type of apples should I use for the best flavor? I highly recommend a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. The tartness of Granny Smith complements the sweetness of Honeycrisp beautifully, ensuring a well-balanced filling. You can also experiment with other firm, sweet-tart varieties like Fuji or Braeburn to suit your taste! How should I store the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars? Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them to last longer, refrigerate them, and they will keep fresh for about a week. Just allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enjoy their lovely texture. Can I freeze the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave for a cozy treat! What if my crumble mixture is too wet? It’s important to ensure that the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If it appears too wet, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The perfect crumble should hold together but still be crumbly for that delightful texture! Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies? Yes, this recipe is nut-free as written! However, if you do decide to add nuts for extra texture, be sure to specify them as optional for those who may have allergies when serving or sharing. Always double-check packaging labels for potential cross-contamination. Can I use homemade salted caramel sauce? Certainly! Homemade salted caramel sauce can add a personal touch to your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars and usually has a fresher taste. Just make sure it has a pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, gently warm it before drizzling over the apples. Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: The Ultimate Fall Treat Enjoy these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, the ultimate fall treat with tender apples, rich salted caramel, and a buttery crumble. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins Servings: 12 barsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 230 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust and Crumble1 cup Unsalted Butter melted1 cup Granulated Sugar adjust depending on apple sweetness1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract1 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste2 cups All-purpose Flour or gluten-free flour blendFor the Apple Filling4 cups Apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) sliced1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon use freshly grated for better flavor1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg freshly grated is bestFor the Salted Caramel Layer1 cup Salted Caramel Sauce pourable, store-bought or homemade Equipment 9x13 inch baking panmixing bowlMeasuring Cup Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well-blended. Gradually add flour until crumbly.Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the baking pan.In a separate bowl, combine sliced apples with ground cinnamon and nutmeg, then layer over the pressed crust.Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apple layer.Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the caramel and apple layers.Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars. Nutrition Serving: 1barCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesUse a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for best flavor. Be patient during the cooling time for easier slicing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
