Caramel Apple Crumb Bars have all the flavor of apple pie in an easy-to-make bar recipe with a pretty caramel drizzle on top!
A few 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.
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!
Caramel Apple Desserts
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.
If you’re a cheesecake fan, you’ll want to try these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars from the Girl Who Ate Everything as well.
I just can’t get enough of that apple + caramel combination!
These taste exactly like an apple crumb pie, only with more of that delicious crumb topping. There is not an overwhelming amount of caramel in these, just enough to provide a hint of caramel flavor.
Feel free to use store-bought caramel or be adventurous and make your own, it really is easy and tastes better. Making homemade caramel sauce isn’t difficult.
You’ll melt the sugar in a saucepan, then whisk in butter and heavy cream, it is easy peasy.
Apple Crumb 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 x 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.
If you are lucky enough to have some caramel sauce leftover, try these Salted Caramel Cupcakes or this Caramel Pear Tart.
And last but not least, this Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza needs to be on your baking list as well!
Apple Crumb Bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups oatmeal old fashioned or quick cooking
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 5-6 cups apples peeled and diced (I used MacIntosh)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2/3 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 x 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 11/17/21}
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