Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are everything you want in a homemade dessert — buttery, soft, warmly spiced, and loaded with tender apples and rich salted caramel. With a crumbly shortbread-style base and topping, plus a gooey apple center, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results using simple ingredients and easy baking steps. Perfect for fall baking, holidays, or anytime you’re craving a comforting homemade dessert, these bars are a guaranteed hit with family and guests alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy, beginner-friendly baking recipe
• Made with simple pantry staples
• Perfect balance of sweet apples and salted caramel
• No mixer required — quick prep
• Family favorite and crowd-pleasing dessert
• Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or make-ahead treats

About the Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich, buttery crumble texture
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust and topping evenly
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the warm dessert flavors
• Salt – Balances sweetness and boosts caramel flavor
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the sturdy base and crumble topping
• Apples – Provide natural sweetness and soft texture (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• Salted Caramel Sauce – Adds gooey richness and depth
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic apple spices for warmth and aroma

These affordable baking ingredients come together beautifully for a bakery-style result.

Tips & Tricks

• Thinly slice apples so they bake evenly
• Line the pan with parchment for easy removal
• Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean edges
• Use high-quality caramel sauce for best flavor

These baking tips help ensure perfect texture every time.

Pro Tips

• Chill bars before slicing for sharper cuts
• Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking
• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for deeper flavor
• Slightly underbake for softer, gooier bars
• Warm bars slightly before serving for extra indulgence
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
3. Stir in flour until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Press two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
5. Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg, then spread evenly over the crust.
6. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples.
7. Crumble remaining dough evenly on top.
8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
9. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

This easy step-by-step recipe guarantees consistent results.

Variations

• Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free all-purpose flour
• Nutty Crumble – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping
• Extra Caramel – Drizzle more caramel after baking
• Apple Pear Bars – Swap half the apples for pears
• Healthier Twist – Reduce sugar slightly and use coconut sugar

These customizable dessert variations keep the recipe fresh and flexible.

How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

• Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving

These bars are perfect make-ahead desserts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day.

What apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are ideal.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely — homemade caramel works beautifully.

Do these bars freeze well?
Yes, freeze individually wrapped slices for best results.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a larger pan and adjust baking time slightly.

Sarah namedy

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

These salted caramel apple crumble bars combine buttery crust, warm spiced apples, and a golden crumble topping with a drizzle of salted caramel — the perfect cozy fall treat ready in under an hour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 16 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Add flour and stir until crumbly. Press about two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. In a separate bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread apple mixture over the crust in the pan.
5. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples. Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
7. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5. To reheat, warm in the oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness.

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?