Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars are a decadent and irresistible dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. These bars feature a buttery, crumbly base layered with tender, spiced apples and rich salted caramel sauce, all topped with a golden crumb topping. The combination of sweet apples, gooey caramel, and a touch of sea salt creates a deliciously balanced treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt flakes, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
- Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Reserve the remaining crumb mixture for the topping.
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apple layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Garnish:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before using the parchment overhang to lift them out.
- Once cooled, drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired.
- Serve:
- Cut into squares and serve. These bars are delicious on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy your Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars, a delightful blend of buttery crumb layers, spiced apples, and gooey salted caramel that’s perfect for any dessert lover!
