Tart apples and sweet caramel are fabulous together in these heavenly Apple Crumb Bars. You won’t believe how easy they are to make!
Apple Crumb Bars
Many years ago, I was determined to make some apple cider donut muffins. Unfortunately, after about three tries and three subsequent recipe fails, I gave up on that plan for the moment.
That’s when I decided to use my time and the remaining apples to make these Caramel Apple Crumb Bars. This proved to be a smart and tasty move as my whole family declared these bars a two-thumbs-up success.
I’ve since made these caramel apple bars many times. And they are always a hit. People look at how beautiful they look, and simply can’t believe how easy it is to whip up a batch.
Side note – I’m thrilled to tell you that I finally nailed the recipe for Apple Cider Donut Muffins. If you’re like me and you’re forever craving apple cider donuts, you’ll be so very happy to have an easy, make-at-home variation of those flavors!
Apple Crumb Pie
If you’ve ever had an apple crumb pie, then you know how wonderfully crumbly (and tasty) the topping is. These apple bars taste exactly like that pie, only with more of that delicious topping.
There is not an overwhelming amount of caramel in these, either. Just enough to provide the caramel flavor we crave. You can make these with store-bought caramel sauce or make your own in just minutes.
Just melt the sugar in a saucepan, then whisk in butter and heavy cream. It is that simple. And, if you are lucky enough to have some caramel sauce leftover, try these Salted Caramel Cupcakes or this Caramel Pear Tart.
Apple Bars
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- flour and oats
- brown sugar
- butter
- apples
- granulated sugar
- cinnamon and nutmeg
- caramel sauce
Apple Bars Recipe
Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oatmeal, and brown sugar, cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender until pea sized. Reserve 2 cups of the crumb mixture. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan. Crust will be crumbly. Set aside.
Dice the apples and toss with the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Arrange apples over the top of the crust. Drizzle ⅓ cup of caramel sauce over the apples. Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
Bake at 350 F for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is lightly browned. Let cool completely, drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.
Caramel Apple Desserts
I just can’t get enough of that apple + caramel combination! Caramel and apples go together about as perfectly as any dessert can. As proven by these Inside Out Caramel Apples and the Caramel Apple Puff Pastries.
Cranberry Apple Crumb Bars are loaded with fall flavors and an abundant helping of tart cranberries and sweet apples. And, these easy Apple Blondies are packed full of delicious fall flavors in a soft, cinnamon blonde brownie.
Looking for more apple dessert recipes? Tender apples topped with buttery brown sugar streusel work together perfectly when making an Apple Crisp without Oats!
And last but not least, this Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza is a show-stopper. It absolutely deserves a place on the baking list for your next get-together.
Apple Crumb Bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups oatmeal old fashioned or quick cooking
- 1 ¼ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 5-6 cups apples peeled and diced (I used MacIntosh)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅔ cup caramel sauce divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oatmeal, and brown sugar, cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender until pea sized. Reserve 2 cups of the crumb mixture. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan. Crust will be crumbly. Set aside.
- Dice the apples and toss with the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Arrange apples over the top of the crust. Drizzle ⅓ cup of caramel sauce over the apples. Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake at 350 F for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is lightly browned. Let cool completely, drizzle with remaining caramel sauce and cut into bars. Store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
{originally published 10/4/17 – recipe notes and photos updated 2/8/24}
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