Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these salted caramel apple crumble bars! They are a heavenly combination of sweet and salty, with a buttery crust that just melts in your mouth. I remember the first time I made them for a family gathering; the moment they came out of the oven, the smell of warm apples and caramel filled the whole house. It was like a cozy hug on a chilly day! The crunch from the oats paired with that gooey caramel drizzled on top creates a flavor explosion that you simply can’t resist. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! These bars are perfect for sharing—or not! I won’t judge if you keep them all to yourself.
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
To whip up these delicious salted caramel apple crumble bars, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base for our buttery crust.
- 1 cup rolled oats: They add a lovely texture and heartiness.
- 1 cup brown sugar: For that deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just a touch for balancing flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: This is what makes everything rich and delicious!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance all those sweet flavors.
- 4 cups apples, peeled and diced: Choose your favorite variety for the filling!
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce: The star of the show—you can use store-bought or homemade!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re well on your way to creating something truly irresistible!
How to Prepare Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious salted caramel apple crumble bars! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a treat that will make your taste buds dance!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps your bars bake evenly and get that lovely golden color. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing with butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure your bars come out clean and perfect!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. I like to use a whisk here—just a few seconds of whisking will break up any lumps and help everything blend nicely. You want all those dry ingredients to be well mixed before adding anything wet!
Step 3: Combine with Butter
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour in your melted butter and mix it with a sturdy spoon or spatula until everything is combined. You’re aiming for a crumbly texture here; it should hold together when you squeeze it in your hand but still crumble apart easily. If it looks too dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash more melted butter!
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Take half of your crumb mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms the crust, so make sure it’s nice and even! Next, layer those diced apples right on top. Don’t be shy—pile them high! Then, drizzle your luscious salted caramel sauce over those apples. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the top. This layer will create that delightful crunchy topping.
Step 5: Baking Instructions
Pop your baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top is golden brown and your kitchen smells heavenly! Keep an eye on them toward the end to prevent over-baking.
Step 6: Cooling and Slicing
Once they’re done baking, pull them out and let them cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes. This helps them set up a bit more. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready to serve, slice them into bars. I like to use a sharp knife for clean cuts—trust me, it makes a difference!
Nutritional Information for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Now, let’s chat about the nutrition of these scrumptious salted caramel apple crumble bars! Each bar is about 250 calories, which feels just right for a sweet treat. You’ll find 20g of sugar and a nice mix of fats that create that irresistible richness. Keep in mind, these numbers can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, and of course, if you add any extras like nuts or chocolate. So, while I can give you a ballpark figure, it’s not set in stone. Enjoy every bite, and savor those delicious flavors!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your salted caramel apple crumble bars turn out absolutely perfect! First, when choosing apples, I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This combo gives the filling an incredible depth of flavor! Also, don’t rush the cooling process; letting them cool completely before cutting means you’ll get clean, beautiful bars instead of a messy crumble. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
If you want that extra crunch, feel free to toss some chopped nuts into the crumb mixture before baking. Walnuts or pecans work beautifully! And don’t forget to adjust the amount of salted caramel to your taste; a little more drizzled on top right before serving can really take it over the top! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Common Questions About Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! One of the great things about these salted caramel apple crumble bars is their versatility when it comes to apples. I personally love using a mix of tart and sweet varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel and the brown sugar, giving you that delicious contrast in every bite. Feel free to experiment with others like Fuji or Jonagold, too! Just make sure they’re firm and crisp for the best texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just place any uneaten bars in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you’re like me and can’t resist the temptation, you might want to stash them in the back of the fridge! You can also serve them warm, straight from the fridge, or let them sit at room temperature for a bit to soften. Just don’t forget to enjoy them while they last!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can definitely make these salted caramel apple crumble bars gluten-free! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free flour blend that you love. I recommend looking for one that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. Also, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free, as some brands can be cross-contaminated. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy all the deliciousness without any worries!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These salted caramel apple crumble bars are a true delight, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore them:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these bars ready in no time!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, gooey salted caramel, and crunchy oat topping creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a potluck with friends, these bars are always a hit!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: They store well, so you can prepare them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or spices for an extra twist!
Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to treat in your kitchen!
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: 5 Irresistible Layers
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 bars 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Delicious salted caramel apple crumble bars with a buttery crust and rich topping.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add melted butter and stir until combined.
- Press half of the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the diced apples over the crust.
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or cold.
- Add nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 bar
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: salted caramel, apple, crumble, bars
