Q1: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?

Yes! You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience when making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars . Just choose a high-quality sauce and slightly warm it for easy drizzling. The flavor of your bars will remain rich and indulgent.

Q2: How can I make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars gluten-free?

To make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the oats are certified gluten-free, and all other ingredients are free of gluten as well. The texture and taste remain delicious.

Q3: Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy them at their best.

Q4: Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! Pears or peaches work beautifully in place of apples for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars . Adjust the sugar and spice to match the fruit’s natural sweetness, and follow the same baking instructions for perfect results.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Made Simple at Home

Name: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Made Simple at Home
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ; 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; ; 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; ; Homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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