There’s just something magical about baking desserts, isn’t there? The aroma wafting through the kitchen, the anticipation of that first bite, and the joy of sharing sweet treats with loved ones—pure bliss! Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for salted caramel apple crumble bars. Trust me, these bars are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, with a crumbly topping that perfectly complements the tender apples beneath. You won’t believe how easy they are to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can create a dessert that feels truly special. So, let’s get those ovens preheating and dive into this scrumptious adventure together!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious salted caramel apple crumble bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (make sure it’s nice and gooey!)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (because who doesn’t love that warm spice?)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium tart apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully!)
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade—either way, it’s going to be divine!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start baking. That way, you can just dive into the deliciousness and enjoy the process without a hitch!
How to Prepare Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these irresistible salted caramel apple crumble bars! I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the results will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your bars bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden brown crust. So, let that oven warm up while you get the rest of the ingredients ready!
Step 2: Mix the Crumble Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork or your fingers to mix it all together until it resembles a crumbly texture. You want it to be moist but still hold a bit of shape. It should feel like a delightful sandy mixture that’s just begging to be pressed into a pan!
Step 3: Create the Base Layer
Now take about half of that crumbly mixture and press it firmly into a greased baking pan. I love using a 9×9-inch pan for this recipe. Make sure to spread it out evenly so you get a nice, solid base for your bars. Press down hard to create a good crust; it’ll hold everything together beautifully!
Step 4: Add the Apples
Next up, it’s time to layer on those lovely diced apples! I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that perfect balance of sweet and tart. Scatter the diced apples evenly over the crust, making sure every bite will have that juicy apple goodness!
Step 5: Drizzle with Salted Caramel
Now, for the magic touch—drizzle that luscious salted caramel sauce over the apples! Aim for about a cup, but feel free to add a bit more if you want an extra gooey experience. Make sure to cover the apples well; this is where that sweet and salty flavor really shines through!
Step 6: Top with Remaining Crumble
Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the apples and caramel. This layer is crucial for that delightful crunch! Make sure to distribute it evenly so every bite gets that crispy topping. Don’t be shy—get in there and cover those apples well!
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pop your baking pan into the oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into bars. Trust me, this cooling time is worth it—nobody likes molten caramel burns!
Tips for Success with Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
To make sure your salted caramel apple crumble bars turn out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips!
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add a lovely balance to the sweet caramel and will keep their shape during baking.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool properly helps them set and makes cutting easier. Trust me, you want those clean edges!
- Serve Warm: For an extra special treat, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The combination of warm crumble and cold ice cream is heavenly!
- Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for even better freshness!
- Get Creative: Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble for an extra crunch, or sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top for an enhanced flavor punch!
Nutritional Information for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Now, I know you’re curious about the nutrition of these delightful salted caramel apple crumble bars! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per bar, so you can enjoy every bite with a little knowledge:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients, so they may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities you use. But no matter the numbers, I say indulging in these bars is always worth it!
FAQ About Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While I love using tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for their perfect balance of sweet and tangy, you can experiment with other varieties too. Fuji and Braeburn apples also work great if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just make sure to choose apples that hold their shape during baking for that delightful texture in every bite!
How should I store the bars?
Storing these salted caramel apple crumble bars is super easy! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them even fresher, you can refrigerate them. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving, so all that gooey caramel is nice and melty again!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these bars ahead of time! They’re perfect for prepping a day or two in advance. Just bake them, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container as mentioned before. When you’re ready to serve, you can warm them in the oven for a few minutes to get that delicious caramel all gooey again. Everyone will be so impressed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these bars in the oven and your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time!
- Easy to Follow: The simple steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels. If I can do it, so can you!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, rich salted caramel, and a crumbly topping creates a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are great for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in. Everyone will love them, and you’ll be the star baker!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or experiment with different apple varieties to make this recipe your own!
- Gooey Goodness: The warm, gooey caramel paired with the crunchy crumble makes each bite a delightful experience you’ll crave again and again!
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars That Will Delight You
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious salted caramel apple crumble bars with a sweet and salty flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt.
- Press half of the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Layer the diced apples over the crust.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let it cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use tart apples for better flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Serve warm for extra gooey caramel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: salted caramel apple crumble bars
