Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a comforting fall dessert. They feature layers of buttery crumble, sweet and tangy apples, and a decadent salted caramel drizzle. These bars are perfect for any occasion, bringing the warmth of autumn right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (192g)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (110g)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1 1/2 sticks, 170g)
- Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 500g)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16g)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
- Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (64g)
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (55g)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (1/2 stick, 57g)
- Salted Caramel:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick, 57g)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt for the crust. 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.
- Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice for the apple filling. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the partially baked crust.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crumble topping. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- 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.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before drizzling with the salted caramel. Once cooled, drizzle the salted caramel evenly over the top. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor in your salted caramel apple crumble.
- Ensure the butter is very cold for a crumbly crust and topping.
- Par-baking the crust helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- Cool the bars completely before drizzling with caramel and cutting for proper setting.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg