Salted Caramel Apple Bars: 6 Tempting Fall Treats – Discover the Recipe
Introduction
Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delectable dessert that combines the best of autumn flavors? Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and embrace the cozy vibes of the season. These irresistible bars layer tender apples, gooey caramel, and a buttery crumble to create a dessert that’s sure to become a fall favorite.
Why is it Perfect for You?
These Caramel apple bars are the epitome of autumn indulgence. They’re perfect for:
◾ Enjoying with a warm cup of coffee on a chilly afternoon
◾ Serving at your next fall gathering or potluck
◾ Gifting to friends and neighbors as a homemade treat
◾ Satisfying your craving for a sweet and salty dessert
The combination of tart apples, rich caramel, and a hint of salt creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, the ease of preparation makes these bars a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients List
◾ 2 cups all-purpose flour
◾ 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
◾ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
◾ 1/4 cup brown sugar
◾ 1 tsp vanilla extract
◾ 1/4 tsp salt
◾ 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
◾ 1 tbsp lemon juice
◾ 1 tsp ground cinnamon
◾ 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
◾ 1 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
◾ Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumble
In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the crumble topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the crust is baking, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Once the crust is pre-baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Spread half of the caramel sauce over the warm crust. Layer the spiced apples evenly over the caramel. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with flaky sea salt while still warm.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy your homemade Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars!
Nutritional Information
◾ Calories: 280 per bar
◾ Total Fat: 12g
◾ Saturated Fat: 7g
◾ Cholesterol: 30mg
◾ Sodium: 150mg
◾ Total Carbohydrates: 40g
◾ Dietary Fiber: 2g
◾ Sugars: 25g
◾ Protein: 2g
Calories per Person
Each Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bar contains approximately 280 calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe a bit healthier, consider these modifications:
◾ Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber
◾ Reduce the amount of sugar in the crumble and rely more on the natural sweetness of the apples
◾ Substitute coconut oil for butter to reduce saturated fat
◾ Use a sugar-free caramel sauce or make your own with dates and coconut milk
◾ Add chopped nuts to the crumble for extra protein and healthy fats
Serving Suggestions
These delightful bars are versatile and can be served in various ways:
◾ Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
◾ Paired with a sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet and savory contrast
◾ Alongside a hot cup of spiced apple cider
◾ Crumbled over Greek yogurt for a decadent breakfast treat
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overbaking the crust, which can lead to a tough texture
◾ Using overly ripe apples that may turn mushy during baking
◾ Forgetting to line the pan with parchment paper, making it difficult to remove the bars
◾ Not allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting, resulting in messy squares
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars fresh:
◾ Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days
◾ Refrigerate for up to 5 days to extend freshness
◾ Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Just avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which may become too mushy when baked.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend at a 1:1 ratio.
Can I make my own caramel sauce?
Of course! Homemade caramel sauce can elevate these bars. Just be sure it’s not too thin, or it may make the crust soggy.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The crumble topping should be golden brown, and you should see the caramel bubbling around the edges of the pan.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the quintessential fall dessert, combining the best flavors of the season in one irresistible package. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. The perfect balance of sweet and salty, crisp and gooey, makes them a standout treat that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, embrace the autumn spirit and indulge in these delectable bars – your taste buds will thank you!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
