Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

As the cool breeze of autumn sweeps through the air, it brings with it a delightful array of seasonal flavors, particularly the crisp and juicy apples that are ripe for picking. One of the most irresistible ways to celebrate this harvest is with a batch of Sweet & Sticky Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. These bars are not just a treat; they encapsulate the essence of fall with their warm, inviting flavors and comforting textures. Imagine biting into a buttery crust that crumbles perfectly under the weight of a sweet, sticky apple filling, all drizzled with luscious caramel.

Celebrate the flavors of fall with Sweet & Sticky Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, an indulgent treat perfect for autumn. Imagine a buttery crust layered with juicy, spiced apples and topped with a crunchy crumble, all finished with a drizzle of rich caramel. This recipe showcases seasonal apples and their unique flavors, making it a cozy dessert for gatherings or a quiet night in. Enjoy this delicious blend of sweetness and warmth that captures the essence of the season!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, coried, and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For the Caramel Drizzle:

1/2 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling on top)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (or 9x9-inch) baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, flour, and vanilla extract. Toss well to coat the apples evenly and set aside.

Make the Crust and Crumble Topping: In another mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine. Then, pour in the melted butter and mix until it resembles a crumbly dough.

Assemble the Bars: Take two-thirds of the oat mixture and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until just set.

Add the Apple Filling: Remove the crust from the oven and evenly spread the apple filling over it. Drizzle the 1/4 cup of caramel sauce on top of the apples.

Add the Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apple filling evenly. Gently press it down to ensure it sticks together.

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

Cool and Drizzle: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment overhang and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top.

Slice and Serve: Once the caramel has set a bit, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful layers of apple and caramel goodness!

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