Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert

October 6, 2025

Welcome to your new favorite fall dessert! As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, spiced treat straight from the oven. These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars combine all the beloved flavors of autumn in one easy-to-make, shareable package. Imagine a golden, buttery shortbread crust, topped with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, a generous sprinkle of sweet, crunchy crumble, and finally, a glistening drizzle of homemade salted caramel. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

These bars are not just incredibly delicious; they're also surprisingly simple to prepare, making them perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in. The combination of sweet apples and salty caramel is truly addictive, and the crumble topping adds that delightful crunch we all adore. Plus, they travel well, so you can easily bring a taste of fall to any event!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Love These Apple Crumble Bars

Our Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are more than just a dessert; they're an experience. They capture the essence of fall in every bite, blending tender apples with a rich, decadent caramel. The shortbread base is crisp and buttery, providing the perfect contrast to the soft apple filling and crunchy oat topping. Plus, they're much easier to serve than a traditional apple pie, making them ideal for gatherings.

If you're a fan of autumn baking, you might also enjoy these Decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars or a classic Homemade Apple Crumble: Classic Comfort Dessert for more apple-filled goodness!

Tips for Perfect Crumble Bars Every Time

To ensure your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars turn out perfectly, consider these tips:

Use Cold Butter: For the crust and crumble, cold butter is crucial. It creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in a tender, flaky texture for the crust and a crumbly topping.
Don't Overmix: Mix the crust and crumble ingredients just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough texture.
Apple Choice Matters: As mentioned in our FAQ, a mix of apples works best. If you only have one type, Granny Smiths are a reliable choice for holding their shape. You can read more about choosing the best apples for baking on Food Network.
Cool Completely: This is perhaps the most important tip! Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the caramel and apple filling set properly, preventing a messy bar.

Make Ahead and Storage

These bars are fantastic for making ahead. Store them covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen, as detailed in the FAQ section, making them a great option for meal prepping desserts or holiday baking.

Now, let's get baking and fill your home with the incredible aroma of fall!

FAQs

What type of apples are best for these crumble bars?

For the best balance of flavor and texture, use a mix of firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. They hold their shape well during baking and offer a delightful taste.

Can I prepare these apple crumble bars in advance?

Yes, you can! You can assemble the bars a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator before baking. Once baked and cooled, they will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week.

How do I achieve the perfect consistency for the salted caramel drizzle?

The key to a perfect drizzle is the right caramel consistency. If it's too thick, gently warm it until pourable. If too runny, allow it to cool slightly. A squeeze bottle or a small spoon can help with even application.

Are these bars suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Once the bars are completely cool, cut them into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months and thawed at room temperature.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

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Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 16-20 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These irresistible bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious spiced apple filling, a crunchy oat crumble, and a decadent salted caramel drizzle.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt for the crust and crumble mixture.
Step 3: Add the very cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
Step 4: Press about 2/3 of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will form your shortbread crust.
Step 5: Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling.
Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and diced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the apples are evenly coated.
Step 7: Once the crust is lightly baked, remove it from the oven. Evenly spread the apple filling over the warm crust.
Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the crumble mixture over the apple layer.
Step 9: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 10: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely in the pan. This is crucial for the bars to set properly.
Step 11: Once completely cooled, gently lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra touch.
Step 12: Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars!

Notes

For an extra indulgent treat, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 45mg