Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the rich flavor of caramel and a crunchy crumb topping. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply looking for a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you will soon have a warm, comforting dessert that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. First, they are incredibly delicious. The balance of sweet caramel, tart apples, and a buttery crumble makes every bite enjoyable. Second, they are easy to prepare. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll find this recipe simple and straightforward.
Third, these bars are versatile. You can serve them warm with ice cream, or cold as a sweet snack. They are also perfect for sharing with friends or family. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or a casual get-together, these bars will impress everyone. Finally, making these bars fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas, reminding you of cozy fall days and gatherings with loved ones.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars is easy. You don’t need special skills, just basic kitchen tools. Here’s everything you need to know to create this tasty treat.
Ingredients
To make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, you will need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions
Follow these clear steps to bake your Apple Crumble Bars:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will help you lift the bars out easily once they’re baked.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir these together until well mixed.
Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. This will form the base of your bars.
Form the Crust: Take two-thirds of this crumbly mixture and press it into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms the crust for your bars.
Prepare the Apples: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with ground cinnamon and nutmeg. This adds flavor to the apples.
Layer the Apples: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust you’ve just made. Make sure the apples are distributed well for even flavor.
Drizzle the Caramel: Take the salted caramel sauce and drizzle it generously over the apples. This will add a sweet and salty flavor that pairs well with the apples.
Add Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top of the apples and caramel. This will create a nice crunchy texture when baked.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars. They should turn a lovely golden brown color on top.
Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. This is important for making sure the bars hold their shape when cut.
Once cooled, slice into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious treat!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are perfect for serving in many ways. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. For an extra special treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy ice cream complements the warm, caramel-filled bars wonderfully.
If you’re serving guests, consider plating them nicely on a dessert tray. You can drizzle a little extra salted caramel sauce on top for a beautiful presentation. Whipped cream is another great option to add on top. A sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted nuts can also enhance the look and flavor.
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
If you have leftovers, that’s great! These bars store well for future enjoyment. To store them, follow these simple steps:
- Let Them Cool: Make sure the bars are completely cool before storing.
- Cover Them: Place the bars in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, you can wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate: For the best freshness, store the bars in the refrigerator. They will last up to one week.
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Here are some handy tips for making your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars even better:
Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Good choices include Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
Dice Apples Small: Cut your apples into thin slices. This helps them cook quickly and blend well with the other flavors.
Enhance Flavor: If you like, add some nuts to the crumble mixture. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a great crunch.
Make Your Own Caramel: If you want, you can make your own salted caramel sauce at home. This can make your bars even more special.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time. Overbaking can make them dry.
Variation
While this recipe is fantastic on its own, you can also experiment with a few variations:
Nutty Crumble: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to the crumble topping for added crunch.
Cheesecake Layer: For a richer dessert, you can add a layer of cream cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla before adding the apple layer.
Spiced Apples: Enhance the apple mixture with other spices like cloves or allspice for a more complex flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use various types of apples. Mixing different apples can enhance the taste. Just ensure some are sweet and some are tart for balance.
2. What can I serve with these bars?
These bars are great on their own but serve well with whipped cream or ice cream. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top also makes them special.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.
With this easy recipe, you’ll be on your way to enjoying warm, gooey Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Your friends and family will love them, making them a perfect addition to any gathering or a sweet treat for yourself at home. Enjoy the baking process and, most importantly, enjoy every delicious bite!
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture and stir until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In another bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the apples.
- Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top of the apples and caramel.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
- Once baked, let it cool completely before slicing into bars.