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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped apples, cinnamon, cornstarch, and granulated sugar, mixing thoroughly until every apple piece is coated evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
