Name: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487915H11M45S
Total time: PT-487915H11M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium); ½ cup salted caramel sauce; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

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Short Description

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars combine a buttery crust, spiced apples, gooey caramel, and a golden crumble topping—all baked to perfection in under an hour. A cozy fall treat that’s as simple as it is irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars taste like a cross between apple pie and a caramel crumble, but with a much easier prep. The buttery crust doubles as the crumble topping, making this recipe quick and fuss-free. The salted caramel drizzle ties everything together with a rich, indulgent flavor. Perfect for autumn gatherings, bake sales, or a sweet treat with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
2½ cups all-purpose flour
3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
½ cup salted caramel sauce
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in flour until crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In another bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread evenly over the crust.
Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples.
Crumble the remaining flour mixture evenly on top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing to help them hold their shape.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12–15 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: ~55–60 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for crunch.
Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a richer flavor.
Substitute pumpkin spice for cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal twist.
Add a splash of lemon juice to the apples to balance sweetness.
Use pear slices in place of apples for a different fruit version.
Drizzle extra caramel or melted white chocolate on top before serving.
Add oats to the crumble for a more rustic texture.
Use gluten-free flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
Mix in raisins or dried cranberries with the apples for added sweetness.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style treat.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Freeze bars (without caramel drizzle) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

What apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well and balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, both store-bought and homemade salted caramel sauce work.

Do I need to cook the apples before baking?

No, they soften perfectly in the oven while baking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dessert. Just bake, cool, and store until ready to serve.

How do I keep the bars from falling apart?

Make sure to press the crust firmly and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting.

Can I reduce the sugar in the crust?

Yes, you can reduce the granulated sugar by about ¼ cup without affecting texture much.

What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch pan is ideal, but you can halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8-inch pan.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I double the caramel?

Absolutely—extra caramel makes them even more indulgent.

Should these bars be served warm or cold?

They can be enjoyed both ways. Warm bars are softer and gooier, while chilled bars are firmer and easier to cut.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a quick and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of fall without the hassle of making pie. With their buttery crust, spiced apples, and caramel drizzle, they’re a treat everyone will love. Perfect for potlucks, dessert tables, or cozy family nights.

Maggie