When apple season arrives, there’s nothing better than a dessert that combines buttery crumble, tender apples, and gooey caramel. These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are layered with shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, salted caramel sauce, and a golden crumble topping. Sweet, salty, and irresistible, they’re perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or simply enjoying with a warm drink by the fire.
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan Lined with parchment
- Mixing bowls For crust and apple filling
- Knife and cutting board For chopping apples
- Spatula or spoon To spread layers
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 4 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar (for apples)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for apples)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 0.5 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
- Extra caramel drizzle, for garnish
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt until crumbly. Press two-thirds into the pan for the crust. Reserve the remaining one-third for topping.
- In another bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples. Crumble the reserved topping mixture over everything.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until topping is golden and apples are tender.
- Let bars cool completely in the pan. Slice into bars and drizzle with extra caramel and flaky sea salt before serving.
Notes
What are Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars?
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a layered dessert bar featuring:
- A buttery shortbread-style crust.
- Spiced apple filling made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
- A drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
- A crumbly streusel topping.
Baked until golden and gooey, they’re easy to slice into bars, making them ideal for parties and potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 16 bars.
For the crust and topping
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the apple filling
- 4 cups apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the salted caramel
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Garnish
- Extra caramel drizzle
- Sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Substitutions
- Use gluten-free flour blend for crust.
- Swap apples with pears for a twist.
- Make it dairy-free with vegan butter and coconut caramel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make crust and topping
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt until crumbly. Press two-thirds into pan for crust. Reserve one-third for topping.
Step 2: Prepare apple filling
In another bowl, combine diced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are coated.
Step 3: Assemble layers
Spread apple mixture evenly over crust. Drizzle salted caramel over apples. Sprinkle reserved crumble mixture on top.
Step 4: Bake
Bake 35–40 minutes, until topping is golden and apples are tender.
Step 5: Cool and slice
Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges. Drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle with flaky salt before serving.
Tips for the Best Apple Crumble Bars
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith to avoid mushiness.
- Chill bars before slicing for neater cuts.
- Add extra salt to caramel if you love a stronger salty-sweet contrast.
- Double the recipe for parties—it disappears fast!
Variations
- Caramel apple cheesecake bars: Add a cream cheese layer under apples.
- Nutty version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into topping.
- Oat crumble topping: Add rolled oats to crumble for texture.
- Mini bars: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Room temperature: Store in airtight container for 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep up to 5 days for freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped bars (without caramel topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw and drizzle caramel before serving.
Serving Ideas
These gooey bars are delicious on their own but even better with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of extra caramel
- A sprinkle of sea salt for contrast
- Hot apple cider or coffee on the side
Nutrition Breakdown
One bar has about 260–300 calories, 3 grams protein, 40 grams carbs, and 12 grams fat. Using less sugar or lighter caramel reduces calories slightly.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect dessert to celebrate apple season. With buttery shortbread, spiced apples, gooey caramel, and golden crumble, every bite is a balance of sweet and salty flavors. Whether you bake them for family, friends, or holiday gatherings, these bars are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.
FAQs
Can I make these with store-bought caramel?
Yes, just stir in sea salt for that salted caramel flavor.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling gives a smoother texture, but leaving skins on adds rustic appeal.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes, pears, peaches, or berries all work well.