Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Craving a comforting fall dessert that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor? These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the answer! Imagine layers of buttery crumble, sweet and tangy apples, and a decadent salted caramel drizzle. These bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, bringing the warmth of autumn right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From their irresistible taste to their ease of preparation, there are countless reasons to fall in love with them. Here are a few highlights:

• Effortless to Make: Simple steps mean anyone can bake these bars.
• Delectable Layers: A perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings, parties, or a family treat.
• Comfort Food: Warm, cozy, and reminiscent of home-baked goodness.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
• Impressive Presentation: These bars look as good as they taste.
• Portable: Convenient for picnics, potlucks, or on-the-go snacking.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Sourcing quality ingredients can elevate the taste, so keep an eye out for the freshest produce.

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (192g).
• Packed brown sugar: 1/2 cup (110g). Opt for dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.
• Baking soda: 1/4 teaspoon.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.
• Unsalted butter: 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks), cold and cubed (170g). It is crucial that the butter remains cold for the best crumble texture.

For the Apple Filling:

• Medium apples: 4, peeled and diced (about 500g). Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.
• Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50g).
• All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons (16g).
• Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon.
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon. Toast the cinnamon and nutmeg lightly to enhance their warmth.
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Freshly squeezed is always best.

For the Crumble Topping:

• All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (64g).
• Packed brown sugar: 1/4 cup (55g).
• Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon.
• Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick), cold and cubed (57g). Ensure it is very cold to maintain a crumbly texture.

For the Salted Caramel:

• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100g).
• Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) (57g).
• Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (60ml).
• Sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Coarse sea salt provides a delightful burst of flavor.

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If you’re looking to elevate the flavor even further, consider using locally sourced apples. You can also toast your spices before adding them to the apple filling for a deeper, more aromatic experience.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools can make all the difference when baking. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars:

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Essential for baking the bars evenly.
• Parchment paper: Makes it easy to lift the bars out and prevents sticking.
• Large bowl: For mixing the crust and apple filling.
• Medium bowl: For the crumble topping and salted caramel.
• Pastry blender or fork: To cut the butter into the flour for the crust and crumble.
• Saucepan: For making the salted caramel. A heavy-bottomed saucepan will prevent burning.

Recipe Details

Get a quick overview of what to expect with this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars
• Difficulty: Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your own batch of Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Each step is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes removing the bars a breeze. Make sure the parchment paper fits snugly to avoid any creases.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. This par-baking ensures the crust is sturdy enough to hold the apple filling without becoming soggy.

Step 4: Make the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly. The lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.

Step 5: Layer the Apple Filling

Spread the apple filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Ensure the apples are distributed uniformly to avoid any overly dense or sparse areas.

Step 6: Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling, creating a beautiful textured layer.

Step 7: Bake the Bars

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly. A toothpick inserted into the center of the apple filling should come out with some moisture, but not overly wet.

Step 8: Make the Salted Caramel

While the bars are baking, make the salted caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it is melted and golden brown. Add the butter and stir until melted. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and salt. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble up. Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Cool and Drizzle

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before drizzling with the salted caramel. Cooling is crucial for the bars to set properly. Once cooled, drizzle the salted caramel evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy every bite!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

• • Keep Butter Cold: Cold butter is key for a crumbly crust and topping. If the butter gets too warm, the dough will be greasy.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the crust and topping dough can result in a tough texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Use a Mix of Apples: Combining sweet and tart apples adds complexity to the filling.

• Par-Bake the Crust: This prevents a soggy bottom and ensures the crust is sturdy enough to hold the filling.
• Cool Completely: Let the bars cool completely before drizzling with caramel and cutting. This allows the filling to set properly.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars? Here are some variations and substitutions to try:

• Different Fruits: Use pears, peaches, or berries instead of apples.
• Nutty Crumble: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Include a pinch of ground cloves or ginger in the apple filling for added warmth.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan version.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are delicious on their own, but here are some serving suggestions and pairings to elevate your experience:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the warm flavors of the bars.
• Whipped Cream: A light and airy topping that adds a touch of elegance.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the bars with cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness and spice.
• Hot Coffee or Tea: Perfect for a cozy fall afternoon.

Health Benefits

While these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a treat, they also offer some nutritional benefits. Apples are a good source of fiber, which aids digestion. The oats in the crumble provide additional fiber and help keep you feeling full. Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars to maintain their deliciousness:

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. To reheat a larger batch, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Prevent a Soggy Crust?

Par-baking the crust is essential. Also, make sure not to overfill the bars with apple filling.

Can I Use Different Types of Apples?

Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith works best.

Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

How Do I Make the Salted Caramel Smoother?

Ensure the sugar is fully melted before adding the butter and cream. Stir constantly over low heat until smooth.

Can I Add Nuts to the Crumble Topping?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Total Sugars: 25g
• Protein: 4g

More Delicious Dishes to Explore: Sweet Endings Await!

Craving more delightful treats? Check out these other fantastic recipes:

• Apple Pie Crisp – A comforting classic with a buttery oat topping.
• Lemon Raspberry Crumble Bars – A tangy and sweet combination perfect for any occasion.
• Salted Caramel Apple Bars – A fall favorite with a decadent twist.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are fast, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their delightful layers and easy preparation, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Whip up a batch tonight and enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of fall! Share this recipe with your friends and family who would love it! Join our vibrant community on Facebook and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, cooking tips, and more tasty ideas! Let us know how it goes—comment below!

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