Name: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats; 3 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Decadent, buttery apple crumble bars layered with tender spiced apples, gooey salted caramel, and a crumbly oat topping—these bars are everything I crave when the weather starts to turn crisp. They’re cozy, rich, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any fall gathering or holiday table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust and crumble:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

For the apple filling:

3 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the salted caramel:

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make the bars easier to lift out later.

In a large bowl, I whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Then, I stir in the flour, baking soda, salt, and oats until a crumbly dough forms.

I press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

For the filling, I toss the diced apples in a medium bowl with lemon juice, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

I spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer.

To make the caramel, I melt the granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns into a light amber liquid. Then I whisk in the butter, slowly pour in the cream (watching out for bubbling), and stir in the sea salt. I cook it for another 1–2 minutes, then take it off the heat.

I drizzle the warm caramel evenly over the apples.

Then I crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top.

I bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

Once out of the oven, I let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 16 bars

Calories: 312 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes use a mix of apple varieties to deepen the flavor—Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.

If I want extra spice, I add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the filling.

To make this recipe gluten-free, I substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and ensure my oats are certified gluten-free.

When I’m feeling indulgent, I add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for added crunch.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. When I want to enjoy them warm, I microwave a bar for about 15–20 seconds. They also freeze beautifully—I wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them up as needed.

FAQs

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

I look for a golden brown topping and bubbling caramel around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean (minus some caramel).

Can I use store-bought caramel instead?

Yes, if I’m short on time, I sometimes use high-quality store-bought caramel sauce. I warm it slightly before drizzling it over the apples.

What apples work best for this recipe?

I prefer Granny Smith for their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp adds a lovely sweetness. I often use a combination of both.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. I like making them a day in advance. The flavors deepen, and the bars hold their shape better once fully cooled.

Why is my caramel grainy or hard?

This can happen if the sugar isn’t fully melted or if the cream is added too quickly. I make sure to melt the sugar slowly and stir constantly, adding the cream gradually off the heat.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a go-to fall dessert in my kitchen. They strike the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and spiced—layered with texture and rich flavor. Whether I serve them warm with ice cream or pack them for a festive treat, they never fail to impress. If cozy, homemade comfort is what I’m after, this recipe delivers every time.

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