Print

Easy Chewy Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

easy chewy caramel apple crumble bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These easy chewy caramel apple crumble bars combine soft apples nestled between a crisp oat topping and a chewy base, perfect for a cozy fall treat that’s simple to make and delicious to eat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (90g) old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup (150g) packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 medium apples (about 2 cups / 300g sliced), tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce, homemade or store-bought

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix evenly.
  3. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture holds together in clumps but remains crumbly. Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for topping.
  4. Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges start to turn golden.
  5. While the base bakes, peel (optional), core, and slice apples thinly. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  6. Add granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon to the apples. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  7. Remove the crust from the oven and spread the apple filling evenly over it.
  8. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the apples without pressing down.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling at the edges.
  10. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to set and cut cleanly.
  11. Warm the caramel sauce slightly if too thick, then drizzle generously over the cooled bars just before serving. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
  12. Slice into approximately 2-inch squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Pre-baking the crust prevents sogginess. Use lemon juice on apples to prevent browning. Warm caramel before drizzling for best texture. Bars keep well in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats. Use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for vegan version. Adding nuts to crumble adds crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple bars, fall dessert, apple crumble bars, chewy oat bars, easy fall treats, caramel apple crumble

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/easy-chewy-caramel-apple-crumble-bars-recipe-perfect-for-fall-treats/