Name: Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and finely diced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for caramel); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (for caramel); 1/4 cup heavy cream, room temperature (for caramel); 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for caramel)

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A buttery oat crumble, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and rich salted caramel come together in these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars that taste like autumn in every bite. I like making these when the weather cools down and apples are at their peak. Whether I’m baking for a cozy night in, preparing for a holiday table, or sharing with friends, these bars always hit the mark.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust and crumble:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

For the apple filling:

3 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and finely diced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the salted caramel sauce:

½ cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

¼ cup heavy cream, room temperature

½ teaspoon sea salt

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang for easy lifting.

In a large bowl, I mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla. Then I stir in the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until it forms a crumbly mixture.

I press two-thirds of this oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to make the crust, then bake it for 10 minutes.

While the crust bakes, I toss the diced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything is evenly coated.

I spread the apple filling evenly over the warm crust.

To make the caramel, I heat the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber. I add the butter, stir it in, then carefully pour in the cream (it bubbles up), and stir in the salt. I let it cool slightly before using.

I drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the apples.

I sprinkle the remaining oat crumble over the top.

Then I bake the bars for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

I let the bars cool completely, then drizzle the rest of the caramel on top before cutting them into squares.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories per bar: 310 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap the apples for pears if I want a different fall twist.

For added crunch, I toss chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping.

When I’m in a rush, I use store-bought caramel sauce, but the homemade version always tastes best.

To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free oats and flour, and it still turns out beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. If I want to enjoy them warm, I reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. The caramel softens and the apple filling tastes fresh again.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for these bars?

I like using tart and firm apples like Granny Smith or slightly sweet ones like Honeycrisp. They hold up well during baking and don’t get too mushy.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, I freeze them after they’re fully cooled. I wrap them individually and store in an airtight container. When I want one, I just thaw at room temperature or microwave for 30 seconds.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

I recommend sticking with old-fashioned rolled oats because they give the bars a better texture. Quick oats can make the crumble a bit too soft.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

I look for a golden brown top and tender apples. I usually test with a toothpick—it should come out mostly clean with just a bit of moisture from the apples.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. I double the ingredients and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. The baking time might be slightly longer, so I keep an eye on the top for doneness.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are everything I want in a fall dessert—warm, sweet, spiced, and indulgent with that buttery crumble and gooey caramel. They’re easy to make, even easier to share (if I feel generous), and taste like a cozy autumn day. Whether for a holiday dessert table or a simple seasonal treat, they never disappoint.

Recipe:

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A cozy fall dessert featuring a buttery oat crust, spiced apple filling, and rich homemade salted caramel. These bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a comforting treat any time.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
Stir in flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until a crumbly mixture forms.
Press two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
While the crust bakes, toss diced apples with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked crust.
Make the caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns amber.
Add butter and stir until melted, then slowly pour in the heavy cream (it will bubble), and stir until smooth. Add sea salt and mix well. Let cool slightly.
Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples.
Sprinkle remaining oat crumble over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until topping is golden brown and apples are tender.
Let cool completely. Drizzle remaining caramel on top before cutting into squares.