Print

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

salted caramel apple crumble bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These salted caramel apple crumble bars combine a buttery crumble, tender apple filling, and a luscious homemade salted caramel drizzle for a perfect balance of salty and sweet. Ideal for fall gatherings and easy to make with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (310g)
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (90g)
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar (150g)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (225g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 medium apples (about 3 cups sliced), preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (85g)
  • ½ cup heavy cream, warmed (120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl or food processor, combine 2 cups (250g) flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and pulse or rub into dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form with some pea-sized pieces. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for topping. Press the rest evenly into the prepared pan.
  3. Bake crust for about 15 minutes or until just set and lightly golden.
  4. Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. Toss with granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch, and remaining ½ cup (60g) flour.
  5. Spread apple mixture evenly over the warm crust. Sprinkle reserved crumble topping over apples without packing it down.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until topping is golden brown and apples are bubbling around edges.
  7. While bars bake, prepare salted caramel sauce: heat granulated sugar in medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently until melted and amber in color. Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in warmed heavy cream, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly until thickened.
  8. Cool bars completely in pan (about 1 hour). Use parchment overhang to lift bars out. Drizzle salted caramel sauce generously over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
  9. Cut into bars with a sharp knife, wiping knife clean between cuts. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Notes

Use cold butter for the crumble for a flakier texture. If caramel thickens too much before drizzling, warm gently to soften. Slice apples evenly for uniform cooking. Bars taste better the next day once flavors meld. For gluten-free, use gluten-free baking blend and certified gluten-free oats. Vegan options include plant-based butter and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel, apple crumble, dessert bars, homemade caramel, fall dessert, easy dessert, crumble bars, apple bars

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/salted-caramel-apple-crumble-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert-bars-tutorial/