Name: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Your Perfect Fall Treat!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 5 h 25 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium); 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat – just the sound of it conjures images of crisp autumn air, cozy evenings, and the comforting aroma of baking spices filling the kitchen. I’m absolutely delighted to share a recipe that perfectly encapsulates everything we adore about the harvest season in one incredibly convenient, utterly delicious package. While the concept of apple crumble or crisp has graced dessert tables for generations, providing warmth and sweetness during cooler months, and caramel apples have long been a beloved fairground classic, bringing these two iconic autumn treats together in a portable bar form is a stroke of pure genius, offering a modern twist on beloved traditions.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Autumnal Masterpiece

People utterly adore this dish for so many reasons. The irresistible combination of tender, spiced apples nestled under a buttery, streusel-like crumble topping, all drizzled with a decadent salted caramel, creates an explosion of flavors and textures with every single bite. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, making every spoonful (or hand-held bite!) a delightful experience. What truly sets these apart is their remarkable convenience; they are much easier to serve and enjoy at gatherings than a traditional pie or crumble, making the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat an ideal centerpiece for any autumn celebration, from potlucks to family dinners. I promise you, these bars will become your new go-to fall dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Base:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Apple Filling:
- 6-8 medium Granny Smith apples (about 2-2 ½ pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (adjust to apple tartness)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but lovely for a fall treat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (96g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup (90g) old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) water
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, warmed slightly
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces, at room temperature
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the Shortbread Base

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your bars are ready to bake, which is crucial for even cooking. Take a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing an overhang on the longer sides. This parchment “sling” will be your best friend later when you need to lift the cooled Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars out of the pan effortlessly. A little spray of cooking oil beneath the parchment can help it stick to the pan and stay in place while you press the crust.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix these dry ingredients together. This step is important to ensure that the salt and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of uneven flavor in your finished crust.
Incorporate Cold Butter: Add the very cold, 1-inch pieces of unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Now, using a pastry blender, two knives, or even your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture. The goal here is to achieve a coarse, sandy texture with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. It’s important that the butter stays cold! Cold butter creates steam in the oven, which leads to a tender, flaky crust. If the butter gets too warm, your crust might be tough or greasy. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
Form the Crust: Once your mixture resembles coarse meal, press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a flat glass or a measuring cup to really compact the mixture. A dense, well-pressed crust will hold up better to the moist apple filling and the crumble topping. Make sure the edges are also pressed firmly to create a stable base for your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat.
Par-Bake the Crust: Place the pan with the pressed crust into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden brown. This par-baking step is absolutely critical. It helps to set the crust, preventing it from becoming soggy once the apple filling is added, and ensures a wonderfully crisp base for your bars. While the crust is par-baking, you can start preparing the apple filling and crumble topping to save time. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other components. Leave the oven on!

Crafting the Apple Filling

Prepare the Apples: Wash, peel, core, and slice your Granny Smith apples into uniform ¼-inch thick pieces. Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking as they hold their shape well and their tartness provides a beautiful contrast to the sweet crumble and caramel. Uniform slices are key for even cooking. Place all the sliced apples into a large mixing bowl.
Combine with Flavorings: To the sliced apples, add the ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option), 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and the optional ⅛ teaspoon of ground cloves. Pour in the 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice not only prevents the apples from browning but also brightens their flavor, balancing the sweetness.
Toss and Mix: Gently toss all the ingredients together with your hands or a large spoon until the apples are thoroughly coated with the sugar, flour, and spices. Make sure every slice gets a good coating, as this will ensure even flavor and thickening during baking. The mixture should smell wonderfully autumnal at this point, truly setting the stage for a delightful Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat.
Lightly Cook the Filling (Optional but Recommended): For the best texture and to prevent the apples from being too crunchy in the final bars, I often like to briefly cook the apple filling. Transfer the seasoned apple mixture to a large skillet or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened slightly and released some of their juices, and the sauce has thickened a bit. They should be tender-crisp, not mushy. This step ensures that the apples are perfectly tender when the bars are fully baked and helps prevent the crumble from getting soggy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Creating the Crumble Topping

Combine Dry Crumble Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of packed light brown sugar, 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. The oats add a lovely chewy texture and rustic charm to the topping, enhancing the cozy feel of this Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat.
Incorporate Cold Butter: Add the very cold, 1-inch pieces of unsalted butter to the dry crumble mixture. Just as with the shortbread base, you want to cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender, two knives, or your fingertips. Work until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, with some pieces still resembling small peas. Again, keeping the butter cold is paramount for a beautifully crisp and tender crumble topping. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can make the crumble tough.

Assembling and Baking the Bars

Layer the Bars: Retrieve your par-baked crust. Evenly spread the lightly cooked apple filling over the warm shortbread crust. Make sure the apples are distributed in a single, even layer to ensure consistent baking.
Top with Crumble: Generously sprinkle the prepared crumble topping evenly over the apple filling. Don’t press it down; just let it fall naturally over the apples. This loose application allows for those wonderful crispy bits to form during baking.
Bake the Bars: Place the assembled pan back into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crumble topping is deeply golden brown and the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. You want to see that rich, golden hue, indicating perfect caramelization and doneness. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
Cool Completely: This step requires patience, but it is absolutely crucial for perfectly structured Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This means several hours, or even better, overnight. The bars need to be entirely cool for the filling to set properly, which will allow you to lift them from the pan and cut them into neat squares without crumbling apart. Trying to cut them warm will result in a delicious, but messy, heap!

Making the Salted Caramel Sauce

Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan (a light-colored pan is helpful for monitoring color), combine the 1 cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of water. Stir gently with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon to moisten all the sugar. Avoid getting sugar crystals on the sides of the pan. If any sugar crystals stick to the sides, you can brush them down with a wet pastry brush.
Cook the Caramel: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. You can gently swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on the mixture; it will first boil vigorously, then start to turn a light amber color, deepening to a rich, dark amber. This process can take 8-12 minutes, depending on your stovetop. Do not walk away from the caramel! It can go from perfect to burnt in a matter of seconds. The ideal color for a rich, flavorful caramel is a deep amber, like a copper penny.
Add Warm Cream: Once the caramel reaches your desired color, immediately and very carefully remove it from the heat. Pour in the warmed heavy cream in a slow, steady stream while whisking continuously. Be extremely careful as the mixture will bubble up violently and release a lot of steam. This is normal! Continue whisking until smooth. The warm cream helps prevent the sugar from seizing up. If it does seize slightly, return it to very low heat and whisk until smooth.
Incorporate Butter and Salt: Add the room temperature unsalted butter, one piece at a time, whisking until each piece is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Stir in the ½ teaspoon of sea salt flakes and the ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Taste and adjust the salt to your preference – some prefer a bolder salted caramel!
Cool the Caramel: Pour the finished salted caramel sauce into a heatproof jar or bowl. Let it cool completely to room temperature. It will thicken considerably as it cools, reaching that perfect drizzly consistency. If it becomes too thick after cooling, you can gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or over a double boiler.

Finishing and Serving Your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat

Cut the Bars: Once the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift the entire slab out of the baking pan and onto a cutting board. Use a sharp, large knife to cut the bars into desired sizes, typically 12 or 16 squares. A warm knife (wiped clean between cuts) can help create cleaner edges.
Drizzle with Caramel: Now for the grand finale! Drizzle the cooled salted caramel sauce generously over each individual bar or over the entire slab just before serving. The rich, buttery caramel with its touch of sea salt perfectly complements the sweet and tart apple filling and the crisp crumble.
Serve and Store: These glorious Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are best enjoyed at room temperature. They make an exquisite fall treat, perfect for any gathering or a cozy evening in. Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. For an extra special touch, you can warm them slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the sweet, satisfying culmination of what I truly believe is one of the most irresistible recipes you’ll ever bake. This isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures designed to bring pure joy with every bite. If you’ve been searching for that quintessential autumn indulgence, that show-stopping treat that perfectly captures the essence of the season, then look no further. This recipe for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat is your answer, your culinary masterpiece waiting to happen. I promise you, these bars are more than just a pretty picture; they are a delightful journey for your taste buds, blending the crisp, sweet-tartness of baked apples with the rich, buttery depth of homemade (or high-quality store-bought!) caramel, all kissed with a hint of sea salt and crowned with a crumbly, golden oat topping. The contrast between the tender, warm apple filling, the gooey, slightly chewy caramel, and the crunchy, buttery crumble is simply divine. It’s a perfect harmony that creates an utterly addictive dessert that’s surprisingly easy to achieve, making it ideal for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary adventures.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Twists:

While these bars are absolutely incredible enjoyed at room temperature, perhaps with a steaming mug of coffee or a comforting cup of tea, I simply must share some ideas to elevate your experience even further. Imagine a warm square, fresh from the oven, served with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into the warm, caramel-y goodness. Or, for a touch of elegance, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a whisper of cinnamon or maple, would be heavenly. A drizzle of extra caramel sauce, if you dare, takes it over the top! These bars also travel beautifully, making them perfect for potlucks, fall picnics, or as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. They’re robust enough to hold their shape, yet tender enough to melt in your mouth, making them incredibly versatile.

But why stop there? The beauty of baking is in the experimentation! You can easily personalize this recipe to suit your preferences. Consider adding a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to your crumble topping for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. For a more pronounced spice profile, don’t hesitate to fold in a pinch of nutmeg or a whisper of allspice alongside the cinnamon in your apple filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing different apple varieties – a blend of Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness and texture can be absolutely spectacular. You could even swap out a portion of the flour in the crumble for whole wheat flour or ground oats for a slightly heartier texture. In the peak of pear season, a mix of apples and pears would also be a fantastic variation, bringing a subtle difference in sweetness and fragrance. And for those who love a little extra decadence, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips in the crumble before baking creates an unexpected, delightful surprise.

Your Baking Adventure Awaits!

I truly hope this conclusion has ignited your passion to roll up your sleeves and get baking. There’s something so incredibly rewarding about creating something delicious from scratch, especially when the result is as spectacularly delicious as these bars. Don’t hesitate to dive in and try this recipe. It’s designed to be straightforward, forgiving, and utterly delicious, promising a delightful reward for your efforts. I genuinely believe that once you’ve tasted these homemade treats, you’ll understand why I’m so excited about them. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your home with the intoxicating aroma of apples, cinnamon, and caramel. Please, after you’ve baked them, come back and share your experience! I’d absolutely love to hear about your baking journey, how your bars turned out, and any creative twists or serving suggestions you came up with. Your feedback and photos truly make my day. Happy baking, and get ready to enjoy the most incredible taste of autumn!