Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you’ll absolutely fall head over heels for this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe. There’s something magical about the way the tender cinnamon-spiced apples mingle with the buttery crumble and that luscious drizzle of salted caramel. It’s like a perfect hug of flavors that work together beautifully and effortlessly.

I love making these bars when the air turns crisp and apples are in season – they’re perfect for a cozy weekend treat or for impressing guests at a fall gathering. Plus, they come together in about 45 minutes, so you get that warm-from-the-oven magic without spending all day baking. Trust me, once you try this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe, you’ll be baking them on repeat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward and come together beautifully to make the perfect balance of buttery crust, tender apples, and that irresistible salted caramel kick. Be sure to pick apples with a good balance of tartness and sweetness – personally, I reach for Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for that fresh, tangy bite.

• Unsalted butter: Melted for the crumbly crust; using unsalted lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the crumble golden beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: A splash lifts all the flavors and brings warmth to the bars.
• Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the salted caramel.
• All-purpose flour: The base for that buttery, crumbly texture.
• Apples (peeled and thinly sliced): Fresh and crisp apples are key – I like mixing varieties sometimes for complexity.
• Salted caramel sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade; either way, it takes these bars to the next level.
• Ground cinnamon: The signature spice that makes it all feel like fall in your mouth.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the apples and cinnamon.

Variations

I like to play around with this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe depending on the season or who I’m baking for. You’ll find that tweaking it a bit can keep things exciting while still delivering on that comforting, crave-worthy flavor.

• Nut Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping gives a lovely crunch; my family goes crazy for this version during holidays.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for coconut oil and pick a dairy-free caramel sauce to make it safe for everyone at the table.
• Spiced Up: A pinch of ground cloves or allspice adds a richer spiced dimension – perfect if you love warm, aromatic desserts.
• Fruit Swap: Try pears instead of apples for a different but equally delicious take that I sometimes make when pears are in season.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper – this step makes lifting out the bars later so much easier, and you won’t have to dig your knife into the pan to cut them. I always make sure the parchment extends over the sides like handles for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Base

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and combined. Then add the flour and stir until the mixture looks crumbly – like coarse sand. You’ll reserve about two-thirds of this mixture to press firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating the base crust for your bars.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a separate bowl, toss your peeled and thinly sliced apples with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. This step ensures every slice gets evenly coated with spices, making each bite flavorful and aromatic. I find that slicing apples thinly helps them soften well during baking without turning mushy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly over your crust base, then drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously on top of the apples. Finally, crumble the reserved topping evenly over the caramel layer – this gives you that signature sweet-and-salty crunchy finish once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your bars for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender (you might catch a glimpse of bubbling caramel, too!). Don’t rush to cut them right after baking – letting the bars cool completely in the pan is key to helping them set properly and stay intact when slicing.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe

Garnishes

For me, a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving enhances the salted caramel flavor beautifully. Sometimes, I like to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for that extra indulgence—it balances the warm spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

I often serve these bars alongside a hot cup of chai tea or coffee, which complements the spiced, caramel goodness wonderfully. They also pair well with a light green salad if you’re serving them as part of a fall-inspired brunch or lunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I cut these bars into smaller bite-sized squares and serve them on a pretty platter with caramel sauce drizzled around the edges. Adding a sprig of fresh thyme or cinnamon sticks nearby adds charm and amplifies the cozy theme for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, but I usually keep them covered in the fridge if I plan to enjoy them over several days. They hold up well, but refrigeration helps the caramel stay fresh and the apples firm.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing these bars—just slice them first, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, and they taste almost like freshly baked.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the bars in a warm oven (about 325°F) for 5-10 minutes to bring back some of that crisp topping texture. Microwaving works too, but the oven does a better job of reviving the crumble’s crunch without making it soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe really holds a special place in my heart because it captures all the warm, comforting flavors of fall in a simple, approachable dessert. I love how it’s both homey and elegant, perfect for sharing or treating yourself after a long day. Give it a try – I have a feeling this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen as it did in mine!

Print