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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Minutes

Name: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 (approximately 3 medium apples); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

With autumn’s crisp air comes the delightful aroma of warm spices, sweet apples, and deliciously decadent desserts. The Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a must-try this season, offering a deliciously satisfying combination of tart apples, buttery crumble, and rich salted caramel. Perfect for both a cozy family gathering and a festive holiday table, these bars will have you and your loved ones coming back for seconds—and thirds!

Why Make This Recipe

Quick and Easy: In just 45 minutes, you can whip up these scrumptious bars that require minimal prep.
Irresistibly Delicious: The perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors makes these bars a crowd-pleaser.
Versatile Treat: Great for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

These bars are special because they encapsulate the essence of fall. Not only do they awaken your taste buds with the warmth of spices and sweetness of apples, but the drizzling of salted caramel adds a gourmet touch that elevates them from simple treats to something unforgettable.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to make removing the bars easier once they’re done.
Prepare the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (2 sticks) of melted unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until well-combined and smooth.
Add Flour: Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour to the butter mixture and stir until it becomes crumbly.
Form the Base: Press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan. This will serve as the crust for your bars.
Prepare the Apples: In a separate bowl, toss 3 cups of peeled and thinly sliced apples (approximately 3 medium apples) with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
Layer Up: Spread the apple mixture over the prepared crust in the pan, distributing the slices evenly.
Add Caramel: Drizzle 1/2 cup of salted caramel sauce over the apples, allowing the sauce to seep between the slices.
Crumble the Topping: Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top of the caramel-covered apples. This will create a nice, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft apples underneath.
Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. This cooling time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Storage Tips for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure they are sealed properly to maintain freshness.
Freezer: To keep them even longer, freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Best Ways to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Warm Delight: For the ultimate treat, warm up a bar in the microwave for 15 seconds. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzle More Caramel: Add an extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce on top for a richer flavor.
Pair with Coffee: Serve these bars alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making them the perfect afternoon snack or brunch treat.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Use Fresh Apples: Opt for tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert, especially if your apples are very sweet.
Let Them Cool Completely: One key point to remember is to allow the bars to cool entirely before cutting—this helps them retain their shape and texture!

Variations of Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the crumble topping for extra texture and flavor.
Different Fruits: Swap the apples for other fruits like pears or mixed berries to create a different flavor profile—all while maintaining the delicious crumble base.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
A: While it’s best to use fresh apples for the best texture, you can use frozen apples. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained of excess moisture before using.

Q: How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
A: The top should be golden brown, and if you gently poke the apples with a fork, they should be tender.

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.

Q: What can I do if I don’t have salted caramel sauce?
A: If you don’t have salted caramel sauce on hand, you can make your own by melting sugar and butter together, adding a touch of cream, and a pinch of salt.

Q: How should I cut the bars for the best results?
A: Use a sharp knife that has been warmed slightly under hot water, then dried. This helps to get clean cuts without crumbling the bars.

The Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are like a sweet reprieve from the chaos of life, wrapping you in autumn’s comforting embrace. Perfect for sharing (or hoarding for yourself!), they embody those cozy, nostalgic feelings that we all crave during the fall season. Whether you’re making this treat for a dinner party or just for yourself, these bars are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and possibly create a new family tradition!