Print

Caramel Apple Pie Crumble Bars

caramel apple pie crumble bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These easy caramel apple pie crumble bars combine gooey caramel, tart apples, and a buttery oat crumble for the ultimate handheld fall dessert. Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or cozy afternoons with coffee.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 medium tart apples (about 1 pound), peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)
  • Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
  • Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and vanilla. Stir until mixture forms moist, clumpy crumbs.
  3. Reserve 1 cup of crumble for topping. Press remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan for the base.
  4. Bake base for 12-15 minutes, until just set and lightly golden.
  5. While base bakes, toss diced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
  6. Scatter apple mixture evenly over baked base. Drizzle caramel sauce over apples. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
  7. Sprinkle reserved crumble over apple-caramel layer. Add nuts if using.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are bubbling.
  9. Cool bars in pan for at least 1 hour. Lift out using parchment and slice into 12 squares.
  10. Serve with extra caramel drizzle and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

Notes

For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Toss apples with flour to prevent soggy bars. Cool completely before slicing for clean edges. Bars can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple bars, apple pie bars, fall dessert, crumble bars, easy apple dessert, autumn baking, handheld dessert, potluck dessert

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/caramel-apple-pie-crumble-bars-recipe-easy-fall-dessert-youll-love/