Why Make This Recipe

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the sweetness of apples with rich, gooey salted caramel and a delectable crumbly topping. This dessert is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly easy to make, making it an excellent choice for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful balance of flavors and textures, ensuring that these bars will quickly become a family favorite.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Creating these delicious bars is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow this easy-to-follow guide to whip up your own batch of Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. The ingredients are straightforward, and the steps will lead you to a delightful dessert that pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

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 apples)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Directions

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the flour and mix until the texture becomes crumbly, suitable for both the base and topping.
Press about two-thirds of the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating the crust for your bars.
In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced, peeled apples with ground cinnamon and nutmeg to coat evenly.
Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the layer of apples for rich flavor contrast.
Sprinkle the remaining third of the crumb mixture over the caramel and apples, ensuring full coverage for a crunchy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apples are tender underneath.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly, then cut into 24 bars and serve.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

These bars can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra special treat, consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of additional salted caramel sauce on top. A sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the flavor even more, providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the apple and caramel.

How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

To store any leftover bars, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For maximum freshness, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Use a variety of apples, such as Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, to enhance the flavor profile.
For added texture, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the crumb mixture before topping the bars.
If you like a stronger caramel flavor, you can either increase the amount of salted caramel sauce or make your own sauce from scratch for a more personalized touch.

Variation

Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding different fruits to the mix. Pears, berries, or a combination of apples and peaches can also work well with the crumble base. You can also experiment with spices, such as adding cardamom or ginger, to give it a unique twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container once they have cooled completely.

2. Can I use a different type of caramel sauce?
Absolutely! You can use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce, or even try using butterscotch sauce for a different flavor.

3. What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free buttery spread. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!