Craving a delicious fall treat that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe combines the warm, comforting taste of apple crumble with the sweet and salty goodness of caramel, all in convenient bar form. It’s the perfect dessert for cozy nights in, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with a simple yet irresistible creation.
What is Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars?
Ever looked at a dessert and wondered, “Why that name?” Because “Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars” is a mouthful, isn’t it? It’s like the dessert’s trying to tell you everything about itself in one breath! But think about it – “Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars” perfectly captures the essence of what you’re about to experience: a delightful blend of sweet apples, a buttery crumble topping, and that irresistible salted caramel drizzle.
Some might call it a dessert, but we call it pure autumn happiness. Maybe the inventor just loved long names. They say the way to a man’s (or woman’s!) heart is through their stomach and this recipe is certainly going to win some hearts. So, preheat that oven and prepare to bake up a batch of pure deliciousness! You will be amazed at how easy they are to put together.
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars:
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a true crowd-pleaser for a few key reasons. Firstly, the combination of the tart apples, sweet caramel, and crunchy crumble topping is just heavenly. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Secondly, making these bars at home is incredibly cost-effective compared to buying them at a bakery or cafe.
You can control the quality of the ingredients and make a big batch to share (or not!). And finally, the salted caramel drizzle takes these bars to the next level. Want to explore other comforting flavors? Try my classic Apple Crisp for a similar fall-inspired dessert experience. Ready to bake these? You will not regret it!
Key Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars:
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable bars. Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience.
- For the Crust & Crumble:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Salted Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt, or to taste
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars:
These bars are wonderfully easy to make, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. They’re perfect for a cozy fall weekend. The warm apples combine perfectly with a salty, sweet crumble of oats. Prep and bake time are approximately an hour, give or take a bit.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Make the Crust & Crumble: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and holds together when squeezed.
- Press Half into Pan: Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: While the crust is baking, in a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Bars: Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and Drizzle: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy!
What to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars With:
These bars are fantastic on their own, but here are some ideas to elevate your experience:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic combination that never fails to please. The cold ice cream complements the warm bars perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a touch of elegance and lightness.
- Warm Spiced Cider: Enhance the autumnal theme with a warm cup of spiced cider.
- Coffee or Tea: A simple and satisfying pairing for a cozy afternoon treat.
Top Tips for Perfecting Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars:
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to creating a crumbly texture for the crust and topping.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the crumble mixture can result in a tough crust. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the apple filling before adding it to the crust. If your apples are particularly tart, you may want to add a little more sugar.
- Get Creative with the Caramel: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own homemade salted caramel sauce.
- Don’t skip the Salt: The flaky sea salt really elevates the flavor of the caramel and complements the sweetness of the apples and caramel.
- Don’t cut them early! Allow the bars to cool before cutting them to allow the apples to come together,
Storing and Reheating Tips:
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Storing:
- Room Temperature: These bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about 2-3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezing:
- Freezing Before Baking: You can assemble the bars up to the point of baking, then freeze them in the pan. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing After Baking: Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut them into individual pieces. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating:
- Oven: Wrap them in foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual bars for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them.
Final Thoughts:
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. With their warm apple filling, crumbly topping, and sweet and salty caramel drizzle, they capture the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. So go ahead, bake up a batch and enjoy the taste of autumn!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use different types of apples?
A: Absolutely! I recommend using apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. However, you can experiment with other varieties depending on your preference.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help hold the crumble together.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly fine for this recipe. I recommend using a good quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
Q: Can I omit the salt in the salted caramel drizzle?
A: You can, but the salt really enhances the flavor of the caramel and complements the sweetness of the apples and crumble. I highly recommend adding it for the best taste.
Q: How can I make these bars vegan?
A: It is possible, but requires some modification. Use a vegan butter substitute, and ensure your caramel sauce is vegan-friendly. Look at the label, as many contain dairy products.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest