Nothing says comfort food like the warm flavors of caramel, apples, and cinnamon. These Caramel Apple Crumb Bars are the perfect dessert for fall or any time you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat. With a buttery crust, juicy apple filling, and a crumbly oat topping, these bars are topped off with a drizzle of caramel to create a truly indulgent dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them as a snack on their own!
Ingredients
Crust and Crumb Topping :
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Apple Filling :
- 3–4 cups peeled, thinly sliced apples (about 3–4 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping : In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the oats and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set the remaining mixture aside for the topping.
- Prepare the Apple Filling : In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples with the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bars : Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake : Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Add Caramel (Optional) : For extra indulgence, drizzle your favorite caramel sauce over the bars while they are still warm or just before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy : Slice the bars into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert!
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Crumb Bars are the perfect mix of buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crumbly oat topping. Drizzled with caramel, this dessert is sure to become a favorite for cozy family gatherings or special occasions. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these bars will have everyone asking for seconds.
Caramel Apple Crumb Bars Recipe
Caramel Apple Crumb Bars combine a buttery crust,spiced apple filling, and a crumbly oat topping. They are topped with caramelfor an indulgent dessert perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Crust andCrumb Topping :
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter cut into cubes
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Apple Filling :
- 3 –4 cups peeled thinly sliced apples (about 3–4 medium apples)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping : In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the oats and cinnamon for the crumb topping. Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set the remaining mixture aside for the topping.
- Prepare the Apple Filling : In a medium bowl, combine the sliced apples with the flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bars : Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping over the apples, covering them completely.
- Bake : Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Add Caramel (Optional) : For extra indulgence, drizzle your favorite caramel sauce over the bars while they are still warm or just before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy : Slice the bars into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible dessert!