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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with parchment paper or a light butter coating.
- 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.
- Compress the remaining crumb blend firmly into the pan’s base, creating a solid foundation.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a separate container, ensuring each apple piece receives an even coating.
- Distribute the seasoned apple mixture across the compressed base, creating an even layer.
- Generously drizzle caramel sauce over the apple landscape.
- Scatter the previously reserved crumb mixture across the top, creating a rustic, textured surface.
- Position in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the surface achieves a golden hue and the filling bubbles with enthusiasm.
- Remove and allow the dessert to rest and settle for 20-30 minutes, permitting the layers to stabilize and cool.
- 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