Caramel Apple Crumble Bars (Printable Version)
Buttery crumble meets cinnamon apples and sweet caramel for irresistible layered dessert bars.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Crust and Crumble Topping
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup rolled oats
03 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Apple Filling
07 - 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
08 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Caramel Layer
11 - 3/4 cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add chilled butter and cut in using a pastry blender or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
03 - Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the base of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
04 - Toss diced apples with granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until apples are well coated.
05 - Spread apple filling evenly over the crust. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple layer. Sprinkle remaining crumb mixture evenly on top.
06 - Bake for 35–40 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into bars.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses accessible apples and basic pantry staples
- Perfect balance of sweet tart fruit with a salty caramel layer
- Feeds a crowd and slices neatly for sharing
02 -
- High fiber from oats and apples keeps these a bit wholesome
- Best made a day ahead as flavors deepen overnight
- Easy to double for a party tray
03 -
- Always use cold butter for the crumble mix It keeps the topping flakey and rich
- Do not rush pressing the base firmly enough or it may fall apart when sliced I learned from trial and error that letting the bars cool completely is the trick for clean cuts and distinct layers The aroma will tempt you long before they are ready but patience pays off with perfect results every time