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A close-up shot of a single salted caramel apple crumble bar, showing the distinct layers of shortbread crust, apple filling, and oat crumble.
FL Recipes

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars (The Only Recipe You'll Ever Need)

The ultimate recipe for salted caramel apple crumble bars, featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a tender apple filling, and a crunchy oat crumble. Drizzled with an easy homemade salted caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Crumble
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats not instant or quick-cook
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
For the Apple Filling
  • 4 Granny Smith apples medium-sized, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp flaky sea salt

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Pan
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Small Saucepan

Method
 

Make the Crust and Crumble
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Set aside 1 ½ cups of the mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Prepare the Filling and Assemble
  1. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, 1 tbsp flour, and 1 tsp cinnamon.
  2. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the par-baked crust.
  3. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the apples.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  5. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before making the caramel sauce.
Make the Salted Caramel Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter and 1 cup brown sugar, stirring until combined.
  2. Bring to a low boil and cook for 2 minutes without stirring.
  3. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
  4. Let cool for 5-10 minutes, then stir in the flaky sea salt.
  5. Slice the cooled bars and drizzle with salted caramel sauce before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalProtein: 3gFat: 18gFiber: 2g

Notes

Tip 1: Ensure the butter for the crust is very cold for the best texture.
Tip 2: Allowing the bars to cool completely is essential for clean slices.
Tip 3: Store leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Keyword apple crumble bars,apple dessert,salted caramel apple crumble bars

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