Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Made Simple at Home

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a fall dessert classic that brings together sweet, tart, and buttery flavors in every bite. The combination of a rich shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping, finished with a drizzle of salted caramel, makes these bars irresistible. Growing up, I spent Saturday mornings baking in a messy, joyful kitchen with my mom, and those memories inspired me to create this dessert. Perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday treats, or a simple indulgence with coffee, these bars are both comforting and show-stopping, capturing the essence of home in each slice.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Made Simple at Home

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• Author: Riley Thompson
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a fall favorite featuring a buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, crumbly oat streusel, and a rich salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy autumn treats, or a simple homemade dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shortbread Crust:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

Apple Filling:

2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup (43g) old-fashioned rolled oats

1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour

1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Salted Caramel Drizzle:

Homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour to make shortbread dough. Press into the pan and bake 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Toss apple slices with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

Combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour for streusel. Cut in cold butter until coarse crumbs form.

Spread apples evenly over baked crust, then sprinkle streusel on top.

Bake 30-35 minutes until streusel is golden and apples are tender.

Cool at least 20 minutes before drizzling with salted caramel.

Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for best flavor.

Chill bars before cutting to keep layers neat.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: salted caramel apple crumble bars, apple dessert, fall dessert

A Personal Baking Story

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are more than just a dessert—they carry memories. Growing up in Asheville, my Saturdays were reserved for baking with my mom. Flour dusted the countertops, apple slices lined the bowls, and laughter filled the kitchen. Those moments planted the seeds of my lifelong love for baking. Years later, feeling homesick and craving comfort, I recreated a dessert inspired by those childhood memories. The rich, buttery crust, the tender spiced apples, and the sweet-salty caramel topping all come together to create a dessert that tastes like home.

What Makes Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Special?

These bars stand out because of their layered texture and balanced flavors:

• Shortbread Crust – A buttery, tender base that melts in your mouth.
• Apple Filling – Thinly sliced apples tossed with cinnamon, sugar, and a hint of nutmeg for warmth.
• Streusel Topping – Crunchy oats and brown sugar add texture and sweetness.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle – A finishing touch that elevates the flavors, adding a subtle salty-sweet contrast.

Perfect for fall gatherings, casual coffee breaks, or holiday dessert tables, Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are versatile and crowd-pleasing. Each bite delivers a combination of textures—soft, tender apples; crumbly, buttery streusel; and smooth, rich caramel.

For those looking for a homemade treat that’s both comforting and impressive, these bars check every box. Using simple pantry ingredients, anyone can recreate this dessert and bring a little warmth and nostalgia to the table.

Ingredients & Preparation

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

Apple Filling

• 2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (1/4 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup (43g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Salted Caramel Drizzle

• Homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla, salt, and flour. Mix until a uniform dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake Crust: Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss apple slices with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated evenly.
5. Prepare Streusel Topping: Combine oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add cold cubed butter, then use a pastry cutter or fingers to mix until coarse crumbs form.
6. Assemble Bars: Spread the spiced apples evenly over the crust. Sprinkle streusel on top.
7. Bake Bars: Bake 30–35 minutes, until streusel is golden and apples are tender.
8. Cool & Drizzle Caramel: Let bars cool for at least 20 minutes. Drizzle generously with salted caramel before serving.

Pro Tip: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp enhances flavor and texture.

Cooking Notes & Nutritional Info

Cooking Notes

Apple Selection
Choosing the right apples is key to perfectly balanced Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Use a combination of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This provides natural sweetness, firmness, and a slight tang that complements the caramel.

Streusel Tips
For a crumbly, buttery topping, always use cold butter. Cut it into the flour, sugar, and oats until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing; a few larger chunks create a satisfying texture contrast.

Baking Tips

• Ensure the crust is lightly golden before adding the apple filling to prevent sogginess.
• Spread apples evenly for uniform baking.
• Let bars cool completely before slicing to maintain clean edges.

Serving Suggestions
Serve bars warm or at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. These bars also pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a warm spiced cider.

Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on apple type and caramel used.

Tips & Serving Suggestions

Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Even Layering
For perfectly baked Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, arrange apple slices evenly over the shortbread crust. Uneven layers can create undercooked spots or overly soft sections.

Cold Butter for Streusel
Use cold, cubed butter when making the streusel topping. This ensures a crumbly, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender apples. Avoid overmixing; leaving a few larger crumbs enhances the texture and look of your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars.

Chill Before Cutting
Allow your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars to cool completely before slicing. Chilling helps the layers set and prevents the apple filling from spilling out, giving clean, neat bars.

Apple Variety
Mix sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, to balance flavor and complement the caramel. This step is crucial for authentic Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars flavor.

Caramel Drizzle
Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously but not excessively. Too much can make the bars sticky. Warming store-bought caramel slightly makes drizzling easier and ensures even coverage for your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars.

Serving Suggestions

À la Mode
Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra caramel drizzle for a decadent fall dessert.

With Hot Beverages
Pair these bars with coffee, tea, or a spiced cider. The flavors of Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars complement warm drinks perfectly.

For Gifting
Cut into neat squares and package in a decorative tin or box. Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars make an impressive homemade gift for family and friends.

Party Presentation
Arrange on a platter with extra caramel on the side for dipping. Garnish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or leftover streusel crumbs to enhance the rustic look of your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a fall dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and buttery flavors. From the tender shortbread crust to the spiced apple filling and crumbly streusel, each bite is elevated by a rich salted caramel drizzle. These bars are versatile enough for holiday gatherings, casual coffee breaks, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, anyone can create Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars at home. They capture the warmth of autumn and the nostalgia of family baking, making them an unforgettable treat that everyone will love.

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