Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Easy Fall Dessert to Try
Introduction
As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars wafting through your kitchen. This delectable treat combines the best of fall flavors – tart apples, warm cinnamon, buttery oats, and rich caramel – into a portable, sharable dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy night in or preparing for a holiday gathering, these bars are sure to impress.
Why is it Perfect for You?
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the ideal apple dessert for several reasons:
◾ Easy to make with simple ingredients
◾ Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
◾ Great for meal prep and on-the-go snacking
◾ Versatile recipe that can be customized to your taste
◾ Ideal for fall gatherings and holiday parties
Ingredients List
◾ 2 cups all-purpose flour
◾ 1 cup rolled oats
◾ 1 cup brown sugar, packed
◾ 1 tsp baking powder
◾ 1/2 tsp salt
◾ 1 tsp ground cinnamon
◾ 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
◾ 4 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
◾ 1/4 cup granulated sugar
◾ 1 tsp lemon juice
◾ 1 cup salted caramel sauce
◾ 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
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 Crumble
In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Add the cold, cubed butter to the mixture and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until you achieve a crumbly texture. This process is crucial for creating that perfect, buttery crumble topping that we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel and thinly slice your apples, then toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar and lemon juice. The lemon juice will prevent the apples from browning and add a subtle tang to balance the sweetness. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the baking pan.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press about two-thirds of the crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the base. Layer the prepared apples evenly over the base, then drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Bake the bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the hot bars. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for that perfect sweet-salty balance. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutritional Information
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a decadent treat, so enjoy them in moderation. They’re rich in fiber from the apples and oats, and provide a good source of energy.
Calories per Person
Each bar contains approximately 280 calories, based on 16 servings per recipe.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe a bit lighter, consider these substitutions:
◾ Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose
◾ Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce
◾ Reduce the amount of sugar in the crumble and filling
◾ Use a sugar-free caramel sauce
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own, but for an extra special treat, try serving them:
◾ Warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
◾ Alongside a hot cup of spiced apple cider
◾ Crumbled over Greek yogurt for a decadent breakfast
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:
◾ Overworking the crumble mixture, which can lead to tough bars
◾ Using warm butter instead of cold, which affects the texture
◾ Cutting the bars before they’ve cooled completely
◾ Forgetting to line the baking pan, which can make removal difficult
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your bars fresh and delicious:
◾ Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
◾ Refrigerate for up to a week
◾ Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and ability to hold shape, feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make my own caramel sauce?
Certainly! Homemade caramel sauce can elevate this dessert even further. Just be sure to add a pinch of salt to achieve that salted caramel flavor.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect embodiment of fall flavors in a convenient, handheld treat. With their buttery crumble, spiced apple filling, and luscious caramel drizzle, these bars are sure to become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy family dinner or bringing them to a potluck, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So, preheat that oven and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of this delightful apple dessert.
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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.
