Description
These Easy Caramel Apple Crumble Bars offer a delightful combination of a buttery crumble crust and topping, tender spiced apples, and a rich, gooey caramel center. They’re simple to make and perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3 cups crisp apples, peeled and finely diced
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup jarred thick caramel sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour and the light brown sugar. Then, cut in the cold cubed butter with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles crumbs.
3. Set aside 1/2 cup of this crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, until it achieves a light golden hue.
5. While the crust is baking, gently combine the finely diced apples with 2 tablespoons of flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
6. Evenly distribute the spiced apples over the warm, baked crust. Drizzle the thick caramel sauce over the apples, making sure to cover them well.
7. Sprinkle the reserved crumbly topping evenly over the caramel layer.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the caramel is happily bubbling.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into perfect squares.
Notes
Ensure your butter is truly cold when making the crumble mixture. This helps create those distinct, tender crumbs rather than a doughy texture.
Using crisp apples is important. Softer varieties can turn mushy during baking, affecting the texture of your filling.
Make sure to spread both the apple filling and the caramel sauce evenly across the crust for consistent flavor in every bite.
Don’t skip lining your pan with parchment paper. It makes removing the baked bars from the pan so much easier and cleaner.
Let them cool completely. It is truly the secret to perfect bars.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American