Come on in, the kettle’s just boiled. Let’s chat while I whip up something special – something that’ll make your taste buds sing! Today, we’re making my absolute favorite: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Just the name makes my mouth water!

I remember the first time I made these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. It was fall, of course, and I had way too many apples from our little backyard tree. I was trying to figure out a way to use them all up beyond the usual apple pie. I wanted something a little different, something…easier! That first batch? Well, let’s just say the caramel was a bit…enthusiastic. It bubbled over everywhere! But even with the caramel-cleaning-marathon that followed, the taste…oh, the taste was divine! That’s when I knew I was onto something special. From that messy beginning, I refined the recipe, learning all the little tricks to making these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars perfect every time.

Now, these aren’t just any apple dessert. These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and salty, with a satisfying crumble that’s just irresistible. The kids adore them! Honestly, they practically disappear as soon as they come out of the oven. They’re perfect for school lunches (if they last that long!), potlucks, or just a cozy evening treat with a cup of tea.

My cooking philosophy? Keep it simple, keep it tasty, and keep it real. I’m not a fancy chef, just a mom who loves to cook for her family. And I believe everyone can make amazing food with a little bit of guidance and a whole lot of love. And maybe a few shortcuts along the way. We all need those, right? Especially when life gets hectic! I find that an apple crumble slice is just what I need when things get crazy!

So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking! I promise, these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are easier to make than they look, and the results are totally worth it. Trust me, your family will thank you! And if you are anything like me, a caramel apple crumble squares recipe is just what you need to keep the kids (and you) happy.Oh, and if you love the taste of caramel and apples together, check out my recipe for caramel apple cheesecake dip.

What You’ll Need for This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! I’m a firm believer in using quality ingredients – it makes a world of difference in the final product. And don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already! This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe is all about simple goodness.

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust & Crumble:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¾ cup rolled oats (not instant!)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 4-5 medium apples – I love using Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for that sweet-tart combo!)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

I always use real butter for my Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. It adds so much richness and flavor that you just can’t get from margarine. Trust me on this one! Also, when making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, you can find the best apples at your local farmer’s market this time of year. They’re usually fresher and tastier than the ones at the grocery store. I always prefer to make these as an easy apple crumble bars recipe, and nothing beats freshly picked apples.

Here’s a Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars trick I learned from my grandma: Toss the apples with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning. It also adds a nice little zing to the filling!

For a cost-saving tip: Buy apples in bulk when they’re in season and on sale. You can freeze them (sliced and tossed with lemon juice) for later use in this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe or other apple treats.

And for storing leftover ingredients: Keep the brown sugar in an airtight container with a piece of bread to prevent it from drying out. This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe uses brown sugar in the best way possible, so keeping it fresh is key!

Now, let’s move on to the fun part – making these delicious bars! If you need some more recipe inspiration, check out Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars – Sally’s Baking for even more salted caramel apple goodness!

Let’s Make This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Together

Okay, here we go! Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients. This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe is surprisingly simple, and I’ll guide you through every step.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. This is important! You don’t want your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars sticking to the pan.
Make the crust & crumble: In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and baking soda. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix!
Press half of the mixture into the prepared baking pan. This will form the crust. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. While the crust is baking, let’s move on to the filling!
Make the apple filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the apple filling.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars should smell absolutely amazing right about now!
Make the salted caramel: While the bars are baking, let’s make that dreamy salted caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly, until it turns into a golden amber color. Be patient and don’t let it burn!
Add the butter and stir until melted and smooth. Then, carefully pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble up!) and stir until everything is well combined.
Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly.
Drizzle the salted caramel evenly over the baked Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares. This is the hardest part – waiting!

Don’t worry if your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars crumble a little when you cut them. That’s part of their charm! I learned the hard way with Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars that patience is key. If you try to cut them too soon, they’ll fall apart.

In my kitchen, these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars usually take about 45 minutes to bake, but oven times can vary. Just keep an eye on them and adjust accordingly.

While the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or catch up on a quick phone call with a friend. Multitasking, you know?

Your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars should smell like warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and buttery caramel. It’s the most comforting aroma!

Here’s a family-tested Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars shortcut: Use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making your own. It’s not quite the same, but it’s a great time-saver when you’re in a pinch.

And speaking of time-savers, if you don’t have time to make the apple filling, you could even use canned apple pie filling. Sacrilege, I know, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! If you are looking for another salted caramel dessert bars recipe, check out Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars – Break or Bake.

How I Love to Serve This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Oh, there are so many ways to enjoy these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars! It really depends on the occasion and what kind of mood we’re in.

My family loves this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars when I serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm bars and the cold ice cream is just heavenly! A dollop of whipped cream works wonders too. If you want to be a little extra, you can also drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top.

My go-to side dish that pairs with Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars is a simple cup of coffee or tea. The warm, comforting flavors of the drink complement the sweetness of the bars perfectly. I also love to serve them with a glass of cold milk for the kids.

This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars is perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings. They’re always a crowd-pleaser! I also love to make them for a special treat on a cozy weekend afternoon.

For presentation tips, I like to cut the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars into neat squares and arrange them on a pretty platter. A sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a touch of elegance and enhances the salted caramel flavor.

If you have extra Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Or, you can freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag.

For seasonal variations, try adding different spices to the apple filling. A pinch of cardamom or cloves can add a warm, festive touch to these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. You can also use different types of apples depending on what’s in season.

Friends always ask for this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe. It’s become my signature dessert! And they love to pair it with my caramel apple slices with chocolate drizzle.

Your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some of the questions I get asked most often about this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe. I’ve learned a lot over the years, so hopefully, my answers will help you avoid some common pitfalls!

Q: My caramel is always too hard. What am I doing wrong?

A: Oh honey, I’ve been there! You’re probably overcooking it. Caramel can go from perfect to burnt very quickly. Make sure you’re stirring constantly and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a nice amber color. Remember, it will continue to cook a bit even after you take it off the heat.

Q: Can I use a different type of apple?

A: Absolutely! I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their sweet-tart flavor, but you can use any apple you like. Gala, Fuji, or even Braeburn would work well. Just adjust the amount of sugar in the filling depending on how sweet your apples are.

Q: My crust is too dry. How can I fix it?

A: You might be using too much flour or not enough butter. Make sure you’re measuring your ingredients accurately. Also, try adding a tablespoon or two of cold water to the crust mixture if it seems too dry.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, as this will help bind the ingredients together.

Q: My Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are too crumbly. How can I prevent this?

A: Make sure you’re pressing the crust mixture firmly into the baking pan. This will help it hold together better. Also, let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This will give them time to set.

Q: Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?

A: Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition. Just add them to the crumble mixture before sprinkling it over the apple filling.

Q: Can I freeze the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars?

A: Yes! Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

You know what I do when my Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars aren’t looking quite perfect? I sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top! It always makes them look more appealing. If you want to try something different, you can check out Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars | Two Peas & Their Pod.

My Final Thoughts on This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of simpler times. It reminds me of fall, of family, and of the joy of sharing good food with the people I love.

My Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Pro Tips:

Use cold butter! This is crucial for creating a crumbly texture in the crust and topping.
Don’t overmix the caramel! Overmixing can cause it to crystallize.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting! Patience is key for clean cuts and a firm texture.

Here are a few Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars variations we’ve tried with our family:

Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the crumble topping for a chocolatey twist.
Maple Pecan: Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar in the caramel sauce and add ½ cup of chopped pecans to the crumble topping.
Gingerbread Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and ½ teaspoon of ground cloves to the apple filling for a festive holiday flavor.

My son, Liam, loves the chocolate chip version, while my daughter, Mia, is a fan of the classic recipe with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. As for me, I love them all! And it’s fun to pair my caramel apple crumble squares with my Samoa caramel apple slices.

I hope you give this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Add your favorite spices, use different types of apples, or try a different type of nut in the crumble topping. The possibilities are endless!

I hope your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars cooking experience is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious results. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and creating memories. So, relax, enjoy the process, and don’t worry if things don’t turn out perfectly the first time. Just keep practicing, and you’ll be a Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars pro in no time!

Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Print Recipe

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful autumn treat! A buttery crumble base and topping sandwich a layer of sweet and tart apples cooked in a rich salted caramel sauce.

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 9 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crumble Base and Topping:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup rolled oats
For the Apple Filling:
4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

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Instructions

Make the Salted Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color.
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the warm heavy cream and butter. Stir until smooth. Add salt and adjust to taste. Let cool slightly.
Make the Crumble Base and Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the rolled oats.
Press half of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of a 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Make the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
Pour the apple filling evenly over the crumble base. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apple filling.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the caramel and apples.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into bars and serve.

Notes

Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!