These delicious Caramel Apple Bars feature a brown sugar crumble, cinnamon apples and a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. You’ll love this easy fall dessert.
Crumb-topping lovers unite! These bars are for you. And by “you” I also mean me because I just can’t get enough buttery-crumbly goodness in my life. It is no secret that I LOVE crumb toppings. Whether it’s an Apple Crisp, Peach Crisp, Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, or Stuffed Apples, I will never turn down a dessert featuring a crumb topping.
These Caramel Apple Bars are similar to an Apple Crisp; however, they’re heavier on the “crisp” and lighter on the apples. Prefer more fruit? Try my Apple Crisp! Want all that crumbly, caramely deliciousness in bar-form? Read on…
How To Make Caramel Apple Bars
- Start by making the crust/topping (they are made with the same mixture). Combine butter and brown sugar. Add oats, flour, baking soda, and salt, mixing until crumbly.
- Reserve 1-½ cups for the topping, and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a 9×9 baking pan.
- Combine thinly sliced apples with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Add the apples to the crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved topping over the apples.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool slightly, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce.
Now comes the tough part… You have two options: Wait for the bars to cool so you get pretty, neatly sliced squares, or dive in while they’re still warm, gooey and extra sticky (see photo below). Either way, you are going to love every bite.
Oh, and topping these beautiful bars with vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce might just be the best decision you’ll ever make.
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Caramel Apple Crumb Bars
Ingredients
Crumb crust and topping:
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup good quality caramel sauce plus more for serving (see note)
Apple filling:
- 3 generous cups peeled, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 2-3 apples)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 9x9 square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy and combined. Add flour, oats, salt, and baking soda and beat until combined and crumbly, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups for the topping. Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of the greased 9x9 pan, pressing it into an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine all ingredients for apple filling. Toss until well combined. Dump the apple mixture on top of the crust and spread it out evenly. Crumble the reserved topping over the apples, pressing some of it together to form clumps.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender (insert a sharp knife to check). Place on a wire rack to cool slightly. Drizzle with ⅓ cup caramel sauce. Serve warm, room temperature or chilled. Note: The bars will cut more neatly if chilled. Optional: top with ice cream and additional caramel sauce.
Lili @ Travelling oven says
Oh wow, these bars look absolutely amazing!!! I’m craving them badly now, yum!! 😀
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says
These look SO good. I love the caramel!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Love these! Can’t wait to try.
Jeanette says
Really like this. Look so delicious!
Shauna F says
How long do these last? If you are making ahead of time, should you wait to put the caramel sauce on top til right before serving? These look amazing! Thanks!
Celebrating Sweets says
Hi, Shauna. Yes, I would suggest waiting to put the caramel on until you’re ready to serve (or even a couple hours before). These are best within 1 day of baking, store them in the fridge and bring to room temp (if desired) before serving. I am making them the day before Thanksgiving. Enjoy! Happy holidays!
Shauna F says
Thank you! I will plan to do the same!
Janette says
I don’t think I’m going to be able to wait until the Fall to make these;-) They look way to good! Thanks for the recipe!
Celebrating Sweets says
They are one of my favorites! Enjoy!
Kayla Smith says
Hello! I was wondering if you think taking a short cut by using pre made apple pie filling would work in these bars? I need something super quick to make and these look amazing, but I’m short on time! Thanks for the reply!
Celebrating Sweets says
Hi! Yes, that should work. Try not to overfill it too much, as the crust on these bars is a little less sturdy than a traditional pie crust. Enjoy!
Kayla Smith says
Update!! I used pre made pie filling and it turned out delicious! But I totally overfilled and they could not be cut into bars. We just scooped it out on a plate and topped with more caramel. Yummy, but definitely doesn’t fit into the “bar” category.
Tisha says
These definitely look like the perfect fall dessert! So Yummy!!!
Colleen says
These look amazing! I would definitely dive in while they are still warm and gooey! So good.
Natalie says
I love crumb bars and these look particularly delicious with the caramel apples. Perfect for Fall!