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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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
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.