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When autumn arrives with crisp skies, cozy sweaters, and the scent of spice filling the air, nothing captures the season quite like homemade apple desserts. These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars embody everything we love about fall baking—warm cinnamon apples, buttery oat crumble, and ribbons of silky salted caramel melting into every layer.

Inspired by nostalgic farmhouse treats and the flavors of freshly picked apples, these bars offer comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking for gatherings, holiday potlucks, or simply craving an afternoon treat, these bars are easy to make, easy to slice, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Crumble Base & Topping

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for finishing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crumble Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and slightly moist.
It should hold together when pressed.

2. Make the Base Layer

Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling

In a bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the apples in an even layer over the baked base.

4. Make the Salted Caramel

In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns amber.
Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add the heavy cream.
Mix in sea salt.
Let cool slightly, then drizzle half of the caramel over the apple layer.

5. Add the Crumble Topping

Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.

6. Cool & Finish

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Drizzle with the remaining caramel and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired.

Pro Tips

• Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for the best texture.
• Stir the caramel constantly—sugar burns quickly.
• Let the bars cool fully for clean, neat slices.
• Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
• Double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flawless balance of sweet, salty, and spiced flavors
• Buttery crumble that stays crisp
• Soft, tender apple filling with warm cinnamon notes
• No mixer required—simple ingredients and easy steps
• Perfect dessert for holidays, gifting, or cozy nights

Substitutions & Variations

Substitutions

• Flour: Swap for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Oats: Use quick oats for a finer texture.
• Butter: Use salted butter and reduce added salt.

Variations

• Cranberry Apple Bars: Add ½ cup dried cranberries.
• Maple Drizzle: Replace caramel with maple glaze.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble.
• Spiced Apple Bars: Add nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

Prepare the bars up to 2 days in advance. Flavors deepen over time.

Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• Warm a slice in the microwave for 10–12 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Serve warm with a drizzle of extra caramel
• Add as a sweet brunch table treat
• Pack for lunchboxes or picnics
• Serve during fall holidays—Thanksgiving, Halloween, or harvest dinners

Nutrition (Per Bar – Approximate)

• Calories: 240
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 140mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.

Can I use a different fruit?

Pears or a mix of apples and cranberries are great options.

How do I prevent the bars from becoming soggy?

Use firm apples and let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Absolutely—choose a high-quality salted caramel for best results.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and extend baking time slightly.

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars capture the essence of fall in every delicious bite—warm cinnamon apples, buttery crumble layers, and a luxurious drizzle of salted caramel. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, sharing treats with friends, or simply indulging in a cozy moment at home, these bars are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite. With their irresistible flavor and simple preparation, you’ll return to this recipe all autumn long.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Make delicious salted caramel apple crumble bars with buttery oat topping, tender apples, and homemade caramel. Perfect fall dessert everyone loves.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 bars

Calories 240 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Crumble Base & Topping

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Apple Filling

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Salted Caramel Sauce

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp sea salt (plus extra for finishing)

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Crumble Mixture

  In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

  Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and slightly moist.It should hold together when pressed.
• Make the Base Layer

  Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan.Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
• Prepare the Apple Filling

  In a bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice until everything is evenly coated.

  Spread the apples in an even layer over the baked base.
• Make the Salted Caramel

  In a small saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns amber.

  Remove from heat, whisk in butter, then slowly add the heavy cream.

  Mix in sea salt.

  Let cool slightly, then drizzle half of the caramel over the apple layer.
• Add the Crumble Topping

  Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top.

  Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
• Cool & Finish

  Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

  Drizzle with the remaining caramel and a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired.

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