Easy fall desserts don’t get better than these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. Buttery, spiced, and loaded with tender apples and gooey caramel, these bars are the kind of cozy treat you’ll want to bake all season long. With a buttery shortbread-like crust and a crunchy crumble topping, each bite is packed with the warm flavors of autumn.
Best of all? These bars are easy to make and perfect for sharing at fall parties, holiday tables, or just a crisp afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍁 Ultimate Fall Flavor – Apples, cinnamon, and caramel in every bite
- ⏱ Quick & Simple – Ready in under an hour, no fancy tools needed
- 🧂 Sweet & Salty – Balanced by a touch of sea salt and buttery crumble
- 🧁 Perfect for Parties – Easy to slice and serve, great for gatherings
- 🌱 Customizable – Make it nut-free, dairy-free, or spice it your way
Ingredients
For the Crust & Topping:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 cups peeled, thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Topping:
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. - Make the Crumble
In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Stir in flour until crumbly. Set aside ⅓ of the mixture for the topping. - Press the Crust
Press the remaining ⅔ of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. - Prepare Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss apples with cinnamon and nutmeg until evenly coated. - Assemble the Bars
Spread apples over the crust in an even layer. Drizzle caramel sauce over apples. Crumble the reserved topping over the top. - Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden on top and apples are tender. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Carbs: 42g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Note: Based on estimated nutrition; actual values may vary.
Tips & Variations
- 🍏 Apple Variety: Try Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix for balanced flavor
- 🌰 Add Crunch: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping
- 🌱 Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil and dairy-free caramel
- 🍐 Seasonal Swap: Sub pears for apples for a fall twist
- 🔥 Make Ahead: Bake the day before and store chilled for best slicing
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Equipment
- – 9×13” baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Parchment paper
- – Knife & peeler
Ingredients
- #### Crust & Topping:
- – 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- – 1½ cups granulated sugar
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – ½ tsp salt
- – 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- #### Apple Filling:
- – 3 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
- – 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- – ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- #### Topping:
- – ½ cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13” baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add flour and stir until crumbly. Reserve ⅓ for topping.
- Press remaining ⅔ into bottom of pan for crust.
- Toss apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Layer over crust.
- Drizzle caramel over apples. Crumble remaining dough on top.
- Bake for 40–45 mins or until golden. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
– Add chopped pecans to the topping for crunch
– Let bars cool before slicing to avoid crumbling
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! A good-quality caramel sauce works beautifully, but homemade adds a nice touch if you have time.
How do I keep the bars from crumbling when sliced?
Cool completely before cutting, and use a sharp knife. Lifting with parchment paper helps too.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm slightly before serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for easy fall desserts that check every box—flavorful, crowd-pleasing, and foolproof—these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are it. Warm cinnamon apples, buttery layers, and gooey caramel make this a seasonal staple you’ll bake again and again. Whether for Thanksgiving, brunch, or just a quiet afternoon treat, these bars always deliver.