Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that combine tender apples with a buttery, oat-filled crumble. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet snack any time of year.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
• ½ cup rolled oats (for topping)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar (for topping)
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt.
3. Step 3: Cut in the ½ cup cold butter cubes using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing.
4. Step 4: Press about two-thirds of this crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. Step 5: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the sliced apples, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
6. Step 6: Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and become slightly caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water to create a slurry.
8. Step 8: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the apple mixture and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
9. Step 9: Pour the apple filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan.
10. Step 10: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup brown sugar, chopped pecans or walnuts if using, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
11. Step 11: Cut in the ¼ cup cold butter cubes until the mixture becomes crumbly. Avoid overmixing.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
13. Step 13: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
14. Step 14: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping.
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced taste and texture.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper extending over the edges so you can lift the bars out easily after baking.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage

Store the caramel apple crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual squares in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to enjoy them warm, or serve cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh apples for optimal texture and flavor, but if you use frozen, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the crumble.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensure the oats are certified gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 392 reviews

Delightfully sweet and comforting, these Caramel Apple Crumble Bars combine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat crumble topping. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a classic apple dessert in a handy bar form, this recipe offers a delicious mix of textures and flavors with a slightly caramelized apple filling nestled in a flaky, crumbly crust.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Apple Filling

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider or apple juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumble Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Make the Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt until combined.
3. Cut in Butter for Crust: Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry blender or fingers to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Press Crust into Pan: Take about two-thirds of the crust mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even base.
5. Cook Apple Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple cider, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook while stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes, until the apples soften and start to caramelize slightly.
6. Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
7. Thicken Apple Filling: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the apple mixture and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
8. Assemble Filling: Pour the thickened apple filling evenly over the pressed crust in the baking pan.
9. Prepare Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup flour, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup brown sugar, pecans (if using), and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter cubes until the mixture is crumbly but not overworked.
10. Add Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling layer.
11. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
12. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to serve.

Notes

• Using tart apples like Granny Smith helps balance the sweetness.
• For easier release, line the baking pan with parchment paper.
• Chilling the butter before cutting it in ensures a crumbly texture.
• Optional nuts add a nice crunch, but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
• Ensure apples are thinly sliced for even cooking and caramelization.

Keywords: caramel apple bars, apple crumble bars, fall desserts, apple dessert bars, easy apple recipe