Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes. A good-quality store-bought caramel works perfectly. Just warm it slightly so it drizzles smoothly between layers.

Which apples are best for baking?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel. Avoid softer apples like Gala, which can turn mushy.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. These salted caramel apple crumble bars can be made two days ahead and stored chilled until ready to serve.

Do I need to refrigerate the leftovers?

Refrigeration keeps them fresh longer, especially once cut. Just bring to room temperature before serving.

How do I get clean slices?

Chill completely before cutting, and use a sharp knife wiped between cuts for neat, bakery-style edges.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the quantities and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. Add about five extra minutes to the bake time.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars – Buttery, Gooey & Make-Ahead Perfect

Description

Salted caramel apple crumble bars combine the best of apple pie and dessert bars in one cozy recipe. Buttery shortbread crust, spiced apple filling, gooey caramel drizzle, and golden crumble topping create a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s perfect for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving dessert boards.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shortbread Crust and Crumble:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup rolled oats (optional, for crumble texture)

For the Apple Filling:

3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Caramel Layer:

½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on two sides for easy lifting later.
Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until the dough resembles soft crumbs that hold together when pressed. Set aside one cup of this mixture for the crumble topping.
Bake the Base Layer
Press the remaining crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for about 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden at the edges.
Cook the Apple Filling
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a medium saucepan, combine diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the apples soften slightly and their juices thicken. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Layers
Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked crust. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples, allowing it to seep between the fruit pieces.
Add the Crumble Topping
Mix the reserved crust dough with rolled oats (if using). Sprinkle it loosely over the caramel and apple layers, letting some filling peek through for texture.
Bake Until Golden
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crumble turns golden brown and the filling bubbles gently at the edges.
Cool and Slice
Cool completely in the pan. Lift the block using the parchment, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into squares. For clean edges, chill before slicing.

Notes

Storage: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5.
Freezing: Freeze sliced bars up to 2 months in airtight containers with parchment between layers.
Serving Tip: Warm slightly before serving or top with vanilla ice cream for a pie-like treat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 32 mg