These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars combine a buttery crumb crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a rich layer of salted caramel. With a golden crumble topping and a soft, fruity center, they are the perfect balance of sweet and slightly salty in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are everything you want in a comforting dessert. The buttery crust doubles as the crumble topping, making the recipe simple and efficient. The apple filling is soft and flavorful without being overly sweet, while the salted caramel adds a smooth richness that elevates the entire dessert. They are easy to slice, perfect for gatherings, and taste just as good the next day. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these bars are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust and crumble:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the apple filling:
3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium apples)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the topping:
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust.
In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer.
Drizzle the salted caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 to 16 bars
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 to 45 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 2 hours
Variations
You can swap the apples for pears for a slightly different flavor profile. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping provides extra crunch. For a deeper flavor, mix a pinch of nutmeg into the apple filling. If you prefer a thicker caramel layer, increase the salted caramel sauce to 3/4 cup. You can also use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more complexity.
Storage/Reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. You can also place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their freshly baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape during baking.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. They can be made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Make sure the apples are evenly coated with cornstarch, which helps thicken the filling as it bakes.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes, homemade salted caramel sauce works beautifully in this recipe.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic feel.
What size pan should I use?
A 9×13-inch baking pan ensures the correct thickness and even baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar in the filling if your apples are naturally sweet.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should be golden brown, and you should see the apple filling gently bubbling around the edges.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a comforting dessert that brings together buttery crumble, tender spiced apples, and rich caramel in one irresistible bite. They are simple to prepare, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to become a favorite for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy evenings at home.
Buttery Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars with a tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling and rich caramel drizzle, topped with a golden crumble. Perfect for dessert, snacks, or gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust and Crumble:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Filling:
3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Topping:
½ cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until crumbly dough forms.
Press about 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Toss apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Spread evenly over crust.
Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples.
Sprinkle remaining crumble mixture over the top.
Bake 40–45 minutes until top is golden and apple filling is bubbling.
Cool completely in pan, then lift out using parchment overhang and slice into bars.
Notes
Swap apples for pears for a different flavor.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch.
Mix a pinch of nutmeg into the apple filling for warmth.
Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for more complexity.
Increase caramel to ¾ cup for a thicker caramel layer.
Store at room temperature up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze tightly wrapped up to 3 months.
Reheat in microwave 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
