Apple Crumb Bars with Caramel Sauce is a delicious dessert that combines the tartness of apples with a buttery crumb topping and a rich caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Apple Crumb Bars With Caramel Sauce
Why These Apple Crumb Bars with Caramel Sauce Are the Best
- Buttery Crumb Topping: The crumb topping is made with oats and brown sugar, providing a delightful crunch that complements the soft apple filling.
- Sweet and Tart Apples: The apples add a natural sweetness and tartness that balance the richness of the caramel sauce.
- Rich Caramel Drizzle: The caramel sauce adds a sweet and gooey finish that takes these bars to the next level.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under an hour.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a fall gathering, or simply craving a delicious dessert, these Apple Crumb Bars with Caramel Sauce are the perfect choice. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy topping, and rich caramel makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Crust and Crumb Topping:
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: Provide sweetness and depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt: Form the base, adding structure and helping the crust rise.
- Chilled unsalted butter: Contributes richness and flakiness to the crust and crumb topping.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Old-fashioned oats and ground cinnamon: Add texture and warm spice notes.
Apple Filling:
- Peeled, thinly sliced apples: Provide the main flavor and texture of the filling.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and absorb excess moisture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the apples.
- Cinnamon: Enhances the apple flavor with warm, spicy notes.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Topping:
- Good quality caramel sauce: Adds a rich, sweet finish and complements the flavors of the bars, with extra for serving.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Crumb Bars with Caramel Sauce
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality apples and butter.
- Layer Evenly: Make sure to spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the bars until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and a firm filling.
Serving Suggestions
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve Apple Crumb Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and delicious pairing.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- With Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh berries or a slice of orange for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy a bar with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Apple Crumb Bars with Caramel Sauce. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Sweet, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious apple recipes!
Apple Crumb Bars with Caramel Sauce
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a fall gathering, or simply craving a delicious dessert, these Apple Crumb Bars with Caramel Sauce are the perfect choice. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy topping, and rich caramel makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Crust and crumb topping:
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 10 Tbsp chilled unsalted butter cut into cubes
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup old fashioned oats
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Apple filling:
- 3-4 cups peeled thinly sliced apples , (about 4 apples)
- 1 Tbsp all purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Topping:
- ⅓ cup top quality caramel sauce plus more for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center. Line an 8x8 baking pan with foil or parchment paper, greasing it lightly, and set it aside for later use.
Crust and topping:
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until well mixed.
- Add the cubed butter and vanilla extract, and beat until the butter is broken into small, irregular pieces. If needed, use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour mixture.
- Once the mixture is crumbly and the butter resembles small pebbles, transfer it to the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Filling:
- In another bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the apple filling. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Assembly:
- Scoop 2 cups (loosely measured, not tightly packed) of the crust and topping mixture into your baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup to firmly press it into an even layer, creating the crust. Set aside any remaining crumb mixture for later use.
- Next, add the sliced apples on top of the crust, arranging them in tight layers and overlapping the pieces for even coverage.
- In a separate bowl, mix together ⅓ cup of oats and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon with the reserved crumb mixture. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apples, making sure to press some of it together to create clumps for added texture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping turns a light golden brown and the apples are tender (you can check tenderness by inserting a sharp knife). Once done, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool.
- For serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top. These bars can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. For a delicious twist, serve them with ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce. Note that chilling the bars will help them cut more neatly.
Notes
Serving: These bars can be enjoyed warm, chilled, or at room temperature. They hold their shape better when served cold. For an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Storage: After they cool, store the bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’re best within 24 hours of baking, as the crust and topping may soften over time.
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Apple Crumb Bars With Caramel Sauce