Salted Caramel Spiced Apple Crumble Bars: A Fall Favorite

If you’re searching for the perfect autumn dessert, look no further! These Salted Caramel Spiced Apple Crumble Barscombine the warm flavors of spiced apples, buttery crumble, and rich salted caramel for a treat that tastes like fall in every bite. Easy to make and even easier to devour, these bars are perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy evening at home.

Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

When baking, selecting the right apples can make a huge difference. For this recipe, opt for apples that maintain their shape and offer a sweet yet tangy flavor. The best choices include:

• Granny Smith: Crisp with a tart flavor, perfect for balancing sweetness.

• Honeycrisp: Juicy and sweet, known for its pleasing crunch.

• Braeburn: Offers a spicy-sweet taste, excellent for baking.

  
  

Using fresh, local apples not only benefits your taste buds but also supports nearby farmers. Visiting a local farmer's market can lead to discovering the best ingredients and enjoying a connection to your community.

A quick reheat in the microwave can bring back that freshly baked taste!

Delicious Salted Caramel Spiced Apple Crumble Bars ready to be served.

Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

2. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when pressed.

3. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the remaining third for the crumble topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, cornstarch, and lemon juice until well coated.

2. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.

2. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

3. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

1. Once cooled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles.

2. Serve as is, or warm them slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of salted caramel.

Storage Tips

• Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

• Layered Perfection: Buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and crumbly topping make every bite divine.

• Salted Caramel Bliss: The salted caramel sauce adds richness and balances the sweetness.

• Easy to Share: Bars are great for gatherings, lunchboxes, or gifting during the holidays.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Apples: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness, or mix tart and sweet apples for added depth.

2. Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you have time, making your own caramel sauce takes this recipe to the next level.

3. Customize the Spices: Adjust the spice blend to suit your taste—try adding ginger or cardamom for a twist.

These Salted Caramel Spiced Apple Crumble Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, blending warm spices, buttery crumble, and gooey caramel with tender apples. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a special treat, these bars are guaranteed to delight.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your thoughts and any creative variations in the comments below!

Happy baking!