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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these bars come together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, yet taste like something straight from a bakery. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy. Whether I’m bringing them to a gathering or keeping a batch at home for snacking, these bars never disappoint. I also appreciate how versatile they are—I can use whatever apples I have on hand, and they still turn out amazing every time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• unsalted butter, melted

• granulated sugar

• vanilla extract

• salt

• all-purpose flour

• peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)

• salted caramel sauce

• ground cinnamon

• ground nutmeg

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, I combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.

3. I stir in the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. Then, I press about two-thirds of it into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

4. In another bowl, I toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. I spread this spiced apple mix evenly over the crust.

5. I drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples.

6. I crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top, covering the apples.

7. I bake the bars for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the apples are soft.

8. After baking, I let them cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 24 bars. The total time to make these is about 1 hour and 5 minutes, including 20 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of baking. Each bar is around 250 calories, making it a satisfying dessert or snack.

Variations

• I sometimes mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra crunch.

• When I want a deeper flavor, I use brown sugar instead of white sugar in the base.

• For extra indulgence, I top each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving.

• If I’m out of caramel sauce, I make a quick one at home with sugar, butter, and cream—it’s surprisingly easy.

• I like experimenting with different apple types. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp brings extra sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

I store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want to keep them longer, I refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well—I wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When I want to enjoy one, I let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm it up slightly.

FAQs

How do I keep the bars from falling apart when cutting?

I make sure the bars are completely cooled before cutting them. This helps the layers set properly and keeps the slices neat.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, I often use store-bought caramel sauce when I’m in a hurry. Just make sure it’s a thick, salted version for the best flavor.

What kind of apples work best?

I’ve used Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples—they all work great. I just choose based on the balance of tartness and sweetness I want.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, I swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and the bars come out just as delicious.

How do I reheat these bars?

I usually reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds if I want them warm. I’ve also reheated them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are everything I love about fall in one easy dessert. They’re sweet, salty, soft, and crisp all at once—and they never last long once I put them out. Whether I’m baking for guests or just treating myself, I keep this recipe handy all season long.