Go Back
As autumn approaches, the air becomes crisp, and the vibrant colors of changing leaves inspire a craving for warm, comforting desserts. Among the myriad of seasonal treats, Caramel Apple Crumble Bars stand out as a quintessential choice. These bars encapsulate the heartwarming essence of fall, combining tender apples, rich caramel, and a buttery crumble. They make for a perfect dessert that can grace any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations.

Sweet Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Embrace the flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, a perfect balance of tender apples, rich caramel, and a buttery crumble topping. Ideal for cozy family gatherings or holiday celebrations, these bars evoke delicious nostalgia with every bite. Made from simple ingredients like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, rolled oats, and warm spices, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Drizzle with caramel for an extra touch, and savor the comforting taste of autumn.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the crust and topping:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

¾ cup brown sugar, packed

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the apple filling:

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

2 tablespoons lemon juice

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the caramel drizzle:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Make the Crust and Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until a crumbly dough forms, reserving ½ cup of this mixture for the topping.

      Press the Dough: Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.

        Prepare the Apple Filling: While the crust is baking, in another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until well combined.

          Assemble the Bars: Remove the crust from the oven and layer the apple filling evenly on top. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples.

            Bake the Bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

              Cool and Drizzle: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before drizzling caramel sauce generously over the top. Let them cool completely, then cut into squares or bars.

                Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delightful Sweet Caramel Apple Crumble Bars at room temperature or slightly warmed, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 16 bars