When the weather turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, nothing beats the cozy comfort of a warm, sweet dessert. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery crust topped with gooey caramel, tender apples, and a crumble that melts in your mouth. That’s what you get with Caramel Apple Crumb Bars – the perfect treat for fall, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a cozy treat at home, these bars are sure to satisfy.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make these caramel apple bars, including step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and answers to your most pressing questions.
Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
If you’re wondering why these bars are so beloved, it’s easy to see why. The combination of warm, spiced apples, a buttery crumb topping, and rich caramel creates a treat that’s irresistible. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and require simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
The apples bring a natural sweetness and a touch of tartness, while the crumble topping adds a satisfying texture and buttery richness. Then, the gooey caramel drizzle ties everything together, making each bite pure bliss. It’s a dessert that feels like fall wrapped up in every mouthful.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
To make these delicious bars, you’ll need the following ingredients. They’re easy to find and combine to create the perfect caramel apple dessert.
Crust and Crumb Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | ⅓ cup |
| Light brown sugar, packed | ¼ cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Chilled unsalted butter (cut into cubes) | 10 tablespoons |
| Pure vanilla extract | ½ teaspoon |
| Old fashioned oats | ⅓ cup |
| Ground cinnamon | ¼ teaspoon |
Apple Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peeled, thinly sliced apples | 3-4 cups (about 3-4 apples) |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Good quality caramel sauce | ⅓ cup |
| Additional caramel sauce for serving | As desired |
How to Make Caramel Apple Crumb Bars: Step-by-Step
Making caramel apple crumb bars is easier than you might think. With just a few steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dessert that everyone will love. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by prepping the apples. Peel and thinly slice them into small pieces. Place the apple slices in a large bowl and toss them with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The flour helps thicken the filling, while the sugar and cinnamon bring out the apples’ natural sweetness.
Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, oats, and ground cinnamon. Add in the chilled butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture will form the base and topping for your bars.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan. This forms the crust. Then, evenly distribute the apple filling over the crust, making sure to spread it out so every bite has some apple goodness. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble topping over the apple layer.
Step 4: Bake and Add Caramel Sauce
Bake the bars at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Once they’re done, remove from the oven and let them cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Cut the bars into squares and drizzle each piece with a generous amount of caramel sauce. Serve these delicious bars warm or at room temperature. Trust us, they won’t last long!
Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. The tartness helps balance out the sweetness of the caramel and the sugar in the filling.
- Use Cold Butter: To get the perfect crumb texture, ensure that your butter is chilled and cut into cubes before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This will create a tender, flaky crust.
- Let the Bars Cool: It’s important to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice without it falling apart.
- Extra Caramel Sauce: Don’t be shy with the caramel sauce! A drizzle on top of each serving makes these bars even more indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made up to two days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week if you want them to last a bit longer.
2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade caramel sauce is delicious, store-bought caramel sauce can save time and still give you that rich, sweet flavor.
3. Can I freeze caramel apple crumb bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well. Simply wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
4. What’s the best way to serve these bars?
These bars are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra treat, drizzle more caramel sauce on top.
5. Can I substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need a gluten-free version of these bars. Just be sure to check that the caramel sauce is gluten-free as well.
6. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean (without any wet batter).
Nutritional Information for Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
While these caramel apple bars are undeniably delicious, it’s always helpful to know the nutritional information, especially if you’re watching your intake. Here’s a general breakdown for one serving (based on a 9×9-inch pan yielding 12 bars):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 22g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
These numbers are estimates, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
Conclusion: Bake These Caramel Apple Crumb Bars Today!
There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with Caramel Apple Crumb Bars. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, serving them at a party, or indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these bars are sure to be a hit. The combination of caramel, apples, and crumbly goodness makes them a perfect fall dessert. Don’t wait – get your ingredients and start baking today!
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Caramel Apple Crumb Bars: A Delicious Fall Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
Description
These Caramel Apple Crumb Bars are the ultimate fall dessert! With a buttery crust, tender spiced apples, a crumbly topping, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, they’re as irresistible as they are easy to make. Perfect for cozy nights in or festive gatherings, they’ll become your go-to treat this season.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumb Topping
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Apple Filling
- 3–4 cups peeled, thinly sliced apples (about 3–4 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Topping
- ⅓ cup good-quality caramel sauce
- Extra caramel sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling
- Peel and thinly slice the apples.
- Toss them in a bowl with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Make the Crust and Crumb Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, oats, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Bars
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apples.
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Add Caramel Sauce
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
- Serve
- Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Add extra caramel sauce for a decadent finish.
Notes
- Apple Selection: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples (e.g., Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for the best flavor balance.
- Chilling Butter: Ensure the butter is cold for a perfect crumbly topping.
- Storing: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American