Homemade Caramel Apple Crumb Bars Recipe – Sweet Fall Bliss

Sweet dreams meet reality with these irresistible caramel apple crumb bars that promise pure comfort.

Autumn’s crisp flavors dance through every delectable bite of this heavenly dessert.

Buttery layers meld together, creating a symphony of textures that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Soft apples nestle between golden crumbly edges, whispering promises of cozy afternoons.

Warm spices weave magical notes through each tender morsel, inviting you to savor every single crumb.

Homemade goodness beckons from your kitchen, ready to transform an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Trust me, you won’t be able to resist cutting just one small slice – or maybe two.

Caramel Apple Crumb Bars with a Golden Finish

• Combines classic fall flavors of apples and caramel that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, and works as a stunning dessert or sweet afternoon snack for any occasion.
• Uses basic pantry ingredients, requires just one baking pan, and comes together in under an hour from start to finish, making it a stress-free baking experience.

Caramel Apple Crumb Bars Ingredient Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic baking ingredient that creates the foundation for the bar's structure.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich, deep sweetness and helps create a tender crust.
• Baking Powder: Provides light and fluffy texture to the base.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust ingredients and adds rich, creamy flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic note to the base layer.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that provides a classic autumn flavor and tender texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apple mixture and helps create a syrupy consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy undertone.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple's natural sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling and prevents excess liquid.

• Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, decadent sweetness that complements the apple filling.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Optional topping that provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm bars.

Baking Caramel Apple Crumb Bars Simply

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Magical Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Melt some butter and splash in vanilla extract.

Mix everything until it looks like sandy crumbs.

Set aside one cup of this delightful mixture for the topping.

Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a solid base.

Step 3: Craft the Apple Wonderland

• Freshly chopped apples
• Zesty lemon juice
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Cornstarch

Gently toss the apples until they’re completely coated in the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 4: Layer the Deliciousness

Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.

Drizzle ribbons of caramel sauce across the top.

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over everything, creating a beautiful, rustic topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling becomes bubbly and irresistible.

Step 6: Cool and Indulge

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for 20-30 minutes.

This waiting time helps the bars set and makes cutting easier.

Slice into squares and serve.

For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Tricks to Nail Caramel Apple Crumb Bars

• Use exact measurements for flour and sugar to ensure the perfect texture of crumb bars.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
• Warm caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to achieve smooth, even coverage across the bars.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts under the crust to absorb excess moisture from apples.
• Allow bars to cool entirely before cutting to help them set and maintain their shape, creating cleaner slices.

Keep Caramel Apple Crumb Bars Fresh and Firm

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the entire uncut pan completely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each bar separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325F for 10 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of caramel sauce after reheating to restore moisture and flavor.

Serving Companions for Caramel Apple Crumb Bars

• Cinnamon Chai Latte: Warm, spicy chai tea complements the sweet and tangy apple flavors, enhancing the dessert's cozy autumn essence with its rich, creamy texture.
• Vanilla Bean Gelato: Smooth, cold gelato creates a delightful temperature contrast against the warm, crumbly bars, adding a luxurious creamy element to each bite.
• Salted Caramel Whiskey Cocktail: Bold whiskey with caramel notes echoes the dessert's sweet-salty profile, providing an adult twist that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Hot Spiced Mulled Cider: Fragrant apple cider with warming spices mirrors the bar's apple and cinnamon flavors, creating a harmonious and comforting pairing that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Variations to Try on Caramel Apple Crumb Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the bars safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use plant-based caramel sauce to create a dairy-free version of the classic dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping for added texture and a rich, nutty undertone to complement the apple and caramel flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. Each variety brings a unique flavor and texture to the bars.

• Is cornstarch necessary for the apple filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the filling and prevents it from becoming watery. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.

• How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges. The crumb topping should be crisp, and the apple filling should be tender when tested with a fork.

• Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

Caramel Apple Crumb Bars Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel apple crumb bars bring classic autumn comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending sweet apples and rich caramel in a buttery pastry. Warm spices and crumbly topping create perfect harmony for weekend baking adventures you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Fruit and Sweetener Ingredients:

• 4 cups peeled and diced apples (mix of sweet and tart)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with parchment paper or a light butter coating.
2. Craft the foundational layer by blending flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a generous mixing bowl. Incorporate melted butter and vanilla until the mixture transforms into a crumbly texture. Separate and reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.
3. Compress the remaining crumb blend firmly into the pan’s base, creating a solid foundation.
4. Toss diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a separate container, ensuring each apple piece receives an even coating.
5. Distribute the seasoned apple mixture across the compressed base, creating an even layer.
6. Generously drizzle caramel sauce over the apple landscape.
7. Scatter the previously reserved crumb mixture across the top, creating a rustic, textured surface.
8. Position in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface achieves a golden hue and the filling bubbles with enthusiasm.
9. Remove and allow the dessert to rest and settle for 20-30 minutes, permitting the layers to stabilize and cool.
10. Slice into generous squares and serve, optionally accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in your bars.
• Ensure cornstarch is evenly mixed with apples to prevent a watery filling and create a perfect, thick consistency.
• Chill the crumb mixture for 15 minutes before pressing into the pan to help it hold together more effectively.
• Drizzle extra caramel sauce just before serving to maintain a glossy, fresh appearance and enhance the flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg