Caramel Apple Crumb Bars Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Crumb Bars are a delightful blend of tender apples, rich caramel, and a crunchy oatmeal crumb topping. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting dessert, these bars are easy to make and satisfyingly sweet.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt (or flaky sea salt)*
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats (rolled oats)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 2 1/2 cups chopped apples** (I used honeycrisp)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick foil, or grease with baking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: For the caramel sauce, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until it comes to a boil, then remove from heat and let cool.
3. Step 3: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to the butter mixture. Mix until combined, then set aside.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped apples with cinnamon, cornstarch, and granulated sugar.
6. Step 6: Gently fold the apple mixture into the cooled caramel sauce and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
7. Step 7: Press about two-thirds of the oatmeal dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
8. Step 8: Spread the apple and caramel filling evenly over the crust layer.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining oatmeal dough over the apple filling, letting some of the apples show through.
10. Step 10: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the crumb topping is lightly golden brown.
11. Step 11: Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.
12. Step 12: Optional: top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and additional caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a non-dairy cream in the caramel sauce.
• Make mini bars by using a muffin tin lined with parchment for portable treats.

Storage

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to restore softness. These bars also freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made caramel sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used as a shortcut. Just mix it with the apple filling as directed.

What type of apples work best for these bars?

Firm apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji, are ideal for this recipe.

Caramel Apple Crumb Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x

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Description

These Caramel Apple Crumb Bars combine a buttery oatmeal crust with a luscious caramel apple filling, topped with a crunchy crumb layer. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, these bars bake to a delightful golden brown and make an irresistible dessert or snack, especially during apple season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel Sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• pinch of salt (or flaky sea salt)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Oatmeal Crust and Topping

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats (rolled oats)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice

Apple Filling

• 2 1/2 cups chopped apples (honeycrisp recommended)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick foil, or lightly grease it with baking spray. Set aside for assembly.
2. Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and let the caramel sauce cool slightly.
3. Prepare Oatmeal Crust and Topping: Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then, add the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Set this mixture aside.
4. Mix Apple Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped apples, cinnamon, cornstarch, and granulated sugar, mixing thoroughly until every apple piece is coated evenly.
5. Combine Apples with Caramel: Pour the cooled caramel sauce over the apple mixture and gently stir. Allow this mixture to rest for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the cornstarch can start to thicken the filling.
6. Assemble the Bars: Press about two-thirds of the oatmeal dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the crust. Next, spoon the apple-caramel filling evenly over the crust layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining oatmeal dough evenly over the top of the apple filling. It is okay if some of the apple filling remains visible.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Bake until you see the apple filling bubbling and the topping has turned lightly golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing. Serve bars plain or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Notes

• Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp to avoid a mushy filling.
• Allow caramel sauce to cool slightly before mixing with apples to prevent the cornstarch from thinning out.
• For easier slicing, chill bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after cooling.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel, apple, crumb bars, dessert bars, autumn dessert, spiced apple, oatmeal crumb, baking