Why Make This Recipe
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars combine the best flavors of fall into a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. You get the sweet taste of caramel, the tartness of fresh apples, and a crumbly topping that brings it all together. These bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings, cozy nights at home, or just indulging your sweet tooth. Plus, they take only about 45 minutes to prepare and bake, making them a quick treat that everyone will love.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars is a straightforward process that doesn't require advanced baking skills. Follow these steps to create this delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the bars bake evenly.
- Next, line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the bars later.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to mix everything together.
- Add the flour to the mixture and stir until it becomes crumbly. This mixture will form the crust and topping for your bars.
- Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will be the base of your dessert.
- Take a separate bowl and toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. This adds warm flavors to the apples.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples. Be generous-this is where the magic happens!
- Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top of the apples and caramel.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The smell while these bake is amazing!
- Once they are done, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
To serve your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, cut them into squares. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, consider drizzling a little more salted caramel sauce on top. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream can take these bars to the next level and create a nice contrast with the warm apples and crunchy topping.
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
If you have leftovers (though they might not last long!), store them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. Make sure to reheat them slightly before enjoying to revive their warm flavors.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
- Choose the right apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the best flavor.
- Keep the apples thin: Slicing the apples thinly helps them cook faster and ensures they become tender.
- Don't skip the cooling step: Let the bars cool completely before cutting to help them hold their shape.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or ginger to the apple mix for a different flavor profile.
Variation
You can customize your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Consider adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a crunchy element or mix in other fruits like pears or berries for added flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought salted caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it's nice and gooey!
Q: What should I do if the bars crumble when I cut them?
A: Make sure to let them cool completely before cutting. If they are still crumbly, you might have pressed the crust too lightly.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Absolutely! Cut them into squares and store in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that brings together the flavors of fall in a simple and fun way. With just a handful of ingredients and around 45 minutes, you can make a dessert that everyone will enjoy. Whether for a party or just to have a sweet snack at home, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself addicted!
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients
For the crust and topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
For the filling
- 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium) Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for best flavor.
- 0.5 cup salted caramel sauce Store-bought works perfectly, ensure it's gooey.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well to mix.
- Add the flour to the mixture and stir until crumbly.
- Press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples generously.
- Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top.
- Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
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