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