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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars combine tender spiced apples, rich salted caramel, and a buttery crumbly base to create a perfectly balanced dessert with sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. Ideal for fall gatherings or a cozy treat, these bars are simple to make and customizable to fit dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crumble Base and Topping

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (or coconut oil for vegan option)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling

  • 4 cups tart, firm apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, to enhance sweetness)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crumble Base: Mix the flour (or gluten-free blend), brown sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using, add rolled oats here for extra texture. Press half of this mixture evenly into a lined 9×13 inch baking pan to form a sturdy base.
  2. Make the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and dice the apples. Toss them in a bowl with cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and sugar if using, ensuring the apples are evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the prepared crumble base.
  3. Add Salted Caramel: Drizzle a generous layer of salted caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling, covering every part to infuse the bars with gooey sweetness.
  4. Top with Remaining Crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the caramel-covered apples. Press lightly to help the topping adhere without losing its crumbly texture.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling. Remove from oven and cool completely before slicing to allow layers to set.

Notes

  • Use cold butter or coconut oil to achieve a flaky, crumbly texture.
  • Firm and tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best and balance sweetness.
  • Lemon juice prevents apples from browning and balances the rich caramel flavors.
  • Allow bars to cool fully before cutting for cleaner slices.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and to keep edges intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel, apple crumble bars, fall dessert, caramel apple bars, homemade caramel apple bars, gluten-free dessert, easy apple bars, salted caramel dessert

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/salted-caramel-apple-crumble-bars-2/