Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bars feature a buttery crumb base topped with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples coated in rich caramel and a crunchy oatmeal crumble topping. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, ideal for a comforting dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Apple Filling
- 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 4-5 apples)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
Topping
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional
- Additional caramel for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a consistent base layer. Bake for 12 minutes to set, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Core, peel, and thinly slice the apples to measure about 4 cups. In a small bowl, mix the caramel sauce, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour until smooth. Pour this caramel mixture over the sliced apples and toss gently to ensure all slices are evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust and press lightly to form a uniform layer.
- Make the Topping: In a medium bowl, blend the butter, brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon together until crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this crumble topping over the apple layer and gently press down to help it adhere.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into 16 squares. Optionally, drizzle with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle a little salt for enhanced flavor. Serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- For best results, use firm baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture.
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing when preparing crust and topping.
- Letting the bars cool completely before cutting helps them hold together better.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- You can use homemade caramel sauce for a more personalized flavor.
