Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min

Delight in the flavors of fall with these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min. These bars are not only a scrumptious dessert but also a perfect addition to gatherings, cozy nights, or family dinners. With a blend of sweet apples, rich salted caramel, and a buttery crumble topping, they are sure to be a hit. Easy to make and utterly delicious, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crust and Topping
• For the Filling
• How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture
• Step 3: Form the Base
• Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
• Step 5: Add Salted Caramel Sauce
• Step 6: Bake
• Step 7: Cool and Serve
• How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min
• Pair with Ice Cream
• Drizzle with Extra Caramel
• Top with Whipped Cream
• Serve with Coffee or Tea
• Create a Dessert Platter
• How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min
• Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min
• Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make salted caramel sauce from scratch?
• Can I substitute other fruits?
• What types of apples are best for this recipe?
• How do I know when my crumble bars are done?
• Can I make these gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple enough for beginners and can be completed in just 45 minutes.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of apples and salted caramel provides a delightful balance of sweet and savory.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive potluck, these bars fit right in.
• Make Ahead: These crumble bars store well, making them ideal for meal prepping or last-minute desserts.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors of this fall treat.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your salted caramel apple crumble bars, gather your cooking tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for even baking and allows you to cut the bars into generous portions.
• Parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment makes it easy to remove the bars once baked without sticking.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep your ingredients organized during preparation.
• Knife & Cutting board: These are essential for slicing apples evenly, which helps ensure consistent baking.

Ingredients

Delicious salted caramel apple crumble bars, perfect for fall.

For the Crust and Topping

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling

• 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Add all-purpose flour gradually while stirring until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Step 3: Form the Base

Press about two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

In another bowl:
1. Toss sliced apples with ground cinnamon and nutmeg until well coated.
2. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.

Step 5: Add Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples generously. Then crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and apples are tender.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars. Enjoy your delicious salted caramel apple crumble bars!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min

Serving salted caramel apple crumble bars is a delightful experience, especially during the fall season. These bars are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for various occasions.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla flavor complements the warm spices of the bars.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Adds an extra layer of warmth and flavor, enhancing the apple filling.

Drizzle with Extra Caramel

• Warm Salted Caramel: A drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce on top elevates the dessert experience.
• Chocolate Sauce: For a unique twist, try drizzling chocolate sauce alongside the caramel.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream balances out the richness of the crumble bars.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding cinnamon or vanilla extract to your whipped cream for added flavor.

Serve with Coffee or Tea

• Hot Coffee: A great pairing that enhances the flavors of fall spices in the bars.
• Spiced Chai Tea: Complements the warmth of the crumble and adds a cozy touch.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Variety of Desserts: Combine these bars with other fall treats like pumpkin pie or pecan tarts for an impressive spread.
• Seasonal Fruits: Add sliced pears or figs to bring freshness to your dessert platter.

How to Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min

To achieve the perfect salted caramel apple crumble bars, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your dessert turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and flavor.
• Chill Your Butter: If you prefer a flakier crust, chill your melted butter slightly before mixing it in.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to maintain a crumbly texture for your topping.
• Let It Cool Completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully ensures clean cuts and better structure when serving.
• Add Nuts for Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into your crumble for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust cinnamon and nutmeg amounts or add ginger for a different spice profile.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min

These salted caramel apple crumble bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their rich flavors. Consider these options for a well-rounded dessert table.

1. Cheese Board: A selection of sharp cheddar and creamy brie balances sweetness beautifully.
2. Baked Brie: Serve warm brie topped with honey or fruit preserves as a decadent addition.
3. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of spiced pumpkin soup makes for a comforting starter before dessert.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Sweet roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts provide a savory contrast to sweet desserts.
5. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce can cut through the sweetness, creating a balanced dish.
6. Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad with apples and nuts adds crunch and brightness alongside rich desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can ensure your salted caramel apple crumble bars turn out perfectly every time. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using cold butter – Cold butter won’t mix well with the sugar, leading to a dense texture. Always melt the butter before use.
• Not measuring flour correctly – Too much or too little flour can affect the crumble topping. Use a spoon to fluff up the flour before scooping and leveling it in your measuring cup.
• Skipping the cooling time – Cutting the bars too soon can result in a messy presentation. Allow them to cool completely in the pan for clean cuts.
• Ignoring apple varieties – Different apples have varying sweetness and texture. Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.
• Overbaking or underbaking – Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can lead to dry bars, while underbaking might leave them soggy. Aim for a golden brown topping.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min

• Wrap cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store them in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat: Get Addicted in 45 Min

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat bars for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual servings on high for about 20-30 seconds, checking for warmth.
• Stovetop – Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make salted caramel sauce from scratch?

You can make salted caramel sauce by melting sugar until it’s amber, adding butter, then cream, and finishing with salt.

Can I substitute other fruits?

Yes, you can replace apples with pears or peaches if you prefer different flavors.

What types of apples are best for this recipe?

For the best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp as they hold their shape well during baking.

How do I know when my crumble bars are done?

The bars are done when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender but not mushy.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular all-purpose flour without compromising taste.

Final Thoughts

These salted caramel apple crumble bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With their sweet and salty flavor combination, they make an excellent dessert option for any occasion. You can customize them with different nuts or spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every scrumptious bite!