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

There is something truly magical about Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars that makes you Get Addicted in 45 Min. This dessert combines the warm, cozy flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with the rich, buttery crumble and a luscious salted caramel drizzle, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and slightly salty notes. Whether you’re making this for a fall gathering or just a treat to brighten your day, these bars are incredibly satisfying and straightforward to whip up, promising that you’ll want to bake them again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this dessert is delightfully simple yet essential to achieve that perfect taste, texture, and color. Each item plays a crucial role, from the melty butter that forms the golden crust to the fresh apples that lend a burst of natural sweetness and the salted caramel that brings everything together with a rich finish.

• Unsalted butter, 1 cup (2 sticks), melted: This is the base of your crumble crust, providing a rich and tender texture.
• Granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups: Sweetness that balances tart apples and enhances caramel notes.
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Just enough to brighten the sweetness and enhance the salted caramel’s impact.
• All-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups: Gives structure to the crumble and bars.
• Apples, 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced: The star ingredient—choose tart and crisp varieties for the best flavor.
• Salted caramel sauce, 1/2 cup: This drizzle is what makes the bars irresistible with its perfect salty-sweet balance.
• Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Provides that classic fall spice kick.
• Ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a subtle warm complexity without overpowering.

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This setup ensures your bars bake evenly and you’ll be able to lift them out easily once cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Crumble Base

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir these together until well blended, then mix in the flour until you have a crumbly texture. This crumb base is what forms your buttery, golden crust that holds everything together beautifully.

Step 3: Press in Two-Thirds of the Crumble

Take about two-thirds of this crumble mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This layer will serve as the sturdy, buttery foundation for the juicy apple filling on top.

Step 4: Prepare the Spiced Apples

In a separate bowl, toss your peeled and thinly sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg until they’re evenly coated. This coating will infuse the apples with warm, inviting flavors that complement the sweetness and saltiness perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the pressed crumble base. Next, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apple layer, allowing it to pool and drizzle decadently. Finally, crumble the remaining flour mixture over the caramel and apples to create a streusel-like topping.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Tender

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the apples have softened just right, bursting with juicy flavor beneath that crispy cover.

Step 7: Cool and Cut Into Bars

Once out of the oven, let your bars cool completely right in the pan. This cooling time is crucial as it allows the crumble to firm up for perfect bar cutting. After cooling, slice into generous squares and prepare to get addicted just like the name promises!

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

Garnishes

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each bar to add creamy coolness that contrasts beautifully with the warm spiced fruit. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle can further elevate the salty-sweet magic.

Side Dishes

These bars are fantastic on their own but if you want to round out your dessert spread, consider a simple green salad with a tart citrus vinaigrette to cleanse the palate or a hot cup of spiced chai tea for a comforting pairing that echoes the warm spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a decorative platter at a party for easy grab-and-go treats. Or arrange single portions in small mason jars layered with whipped cream for a charming, rustic dessert display that will wow your guests visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate them—this will keep the apples moist and the crumble crisp for about a week.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars to enjoy Get Addicted in 45 Min any time. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked goodness, warm the bars in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps the caramel soften and the crumble re-crisp, making every bite as delicious as the first time around.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith give a nice tangy contrast, but mixing in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can add complexity and balance.

Is salted caramel sauce easy to make from scratch?

Yes, but if you’re short on time, store-bought salted caramel works wonderfully here. For homemade, just be sure to watch the sugar carefully to avoid burning.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures 1:1 for flour, but check that it includes xanthan gum to keep the texture right.

What’s the best way to slice the bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife chilled in warm water, wiping it clean between cuts. This keeps the edges clean without dragging crumbs or sticky caramel.

How can I add extra crunch to the topping?

Try mixing in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crumble mixture before baking for an irresistible crunch contrast.

Final Thoughts

Making these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars is truly a joy from start to finish, and they are perfectly named because you will definitely Get Addicted in 45 Min. They bring a warm, inviting energy to any occasion and are guaranteed to make you smile every time you take a bite. So go ahead, treat yourself to this fall-inspired delight—you deserve every delicious crumb!

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