๐ Table of Contents โถ
- Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Fundamentals
- Fundamentals
- Preparation/setup
- Directions
- Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Technique
- Technique
- Tips/tricks
- Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Perfecting Results
- Perfecting results
- Troubleshooting/variations
- Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Serving/Presentation
- Serving/presentation
- Pairings/storage
- Have you tried this recipe?
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Thereโs something truly magical about the combination of apples and caramel, and thatโs precisely what makes salted caramel apple crumble bars so delightful. I remember the first time I made these bars; the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy autumn afternoon. The texture of the buttery crumb, combined with the sweet, tart apples and rich caramel, creates a heavenly bite that sweetens even the cloudiest of days.
These bars are more than just a dessert; they evoke memories of family gatherings, where laughter combines with the clinking of plates filled with delectable treats. Baking has always been my happy place, a sanctuary where creativity flourishes and the act of creating something delicious feels like a warm hug. As I experiment with flavors, nothing is quite as satisfying as watching friends and family savor every crumb.
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Every layer of this treat sings with texture and flavor, from the crisp apples that soften during baking to the luscious caramel that seeps into every nook. The key to mastering salted caramel apple crumble bars is knowing your ingredients and embracing the process. This recipe utilizes simple yet impactful components to elevate these bars from ordinary to extraordinary.
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Fundamentals
Fundamentals
Creating salted caramel apple crumble bars starts with understanding the fundamentals of baking. The base consists of a buttery, crumbly mixture made from flour, oats, and brown sugar, which provides a foundation for the sweet apple filling and rich caramel. The blend of these ingredients not only creates flavor but also ensures a perfect texture that complements the soft apples.
Itโs essential to have the right tools at hand: a 9ร13-inch baking pan and parchment paper to ensure the mixture lifts out smoothly after baking. Utilize a pastry cutter or your fingertips to achieve that crumbly textureโan important step in building the crumble topping that will crown your bars.
Preparation/setup
Preheating the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) gets your kitchen ready for this delightful baking adventure. Line your pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. The key to a successful base is in the mixing; use a large bowl to combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
When adding the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture, your goal is to work it until it resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures that small chunks of butter remain, leading to a tender and flaky crust. Remember to reserve about 1ยฝ cups of this mixture for the topping! This step sets the stage for the balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Letโs break down the ingredients youโll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 4 medium-sized apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady (about 4 cups when sliced)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
These components come together to create the cozy flavors that everyone craves during the fall season.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and prepare a 9ร13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of oats, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp of salt.
- Add 1 cup of cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until coarse crumbs form with pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
- Reserve about 1ยฝ cups of this mixture for the topping, then press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a crust.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss the apple slices with 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 tbsp of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Gently toss this mixture with the apple slices until they are evenly coated.
- If using store-bought caramel, warm it slightly in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until itโs pourable. Stir in the 1/2 tsp of coarse sea salt until combined.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples.
- Mix the reserved crumble mixture with chopped pecans, if desired, and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel and apples.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apple filling bubbles at the edges. If the topping browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil after 30 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 2 hours. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for an hour.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 16 squares.
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Technique
Technique
Mastering the technique behind these salted caramel apple crumble bars involves understanding how temperature affects the butter in your crust. Cold butter, when cut into the dry ingredients, forms a flaky texture by creating steam during baking.
Managing your time is crucial during preparation, especially when it comes to the caramel sauce. If you take the time to warm store-bought caramel just enough to make it pourable, youโll achieve the perfect consistency that saturates your apple layers without making the crust soggy.
Tips/tricks
To ensure success, keep these tips in mind:
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- Use a variety of apples for a complex flavor profile. The combination of tart and sweet apples balances perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel.
- If you opt for nuts, consider lightly toasting them beforehand for an extra crunch and rich flavor.
- Allow your bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them firm up and makes slicing easier without compromising their shape.
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Perfecting Results
Perfecting results
To perfect your salted caramel apple crumble bars, the balance of sweet and tart apples is essential. Aim for a combination of crispy and soft varieties, which will maintain their structure during baking while also providing depth in flavor.
Ensuring even layering of the crumble on top prevents any apple pieces from peeking through. This covering creates a uniform and tempting look across the entire batch, inviting everyone to take a bite.
Troubleshooting/variations
If your apple filling releases too much liquid, consider a longer baking time or reducing the amount of granulated sugar added. Apples vary in moisture content, and adjustments may be necessary based on the type you choose.
Feel free to experiment with spices beyond just cinnamon and nutmeg. Cardamom or ginger can add an interesting twist to the filling, while whisking in a little vanilla extract to your caramel creates an extra layer of flavor.
Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars: Serving/Presentation
Serving/presentation
Presentation enhances the enjoyment of your salted caramel apple crumble bars. Serve them warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, for a comforting dessert experience. Lightly drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for an impressive touch.
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles, and consider placing them in decorative cupcake liners for a fun serving option at gatherings. Their rustic appearance feels homey and inviting.
Pairings/storage
While these salted caramel apple crumble bars shine on their own, serve them with a scoop of whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer preservation, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week. Reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave to enjoy them warm again, allowing the caramel to soften just a touch.
Salted caramel apple crumble bars celebrate the rich autumnal flavors that bring warmth and comfort. Their layers of buttery crumble, spiced apples, and luscious caramel create an irresistible treat perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Embrace the process, enjoy the aromas, and most importantly, share these delicious bars with those you love.
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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously layered bars featuring a buttery crumble, spiced apples, and rich salted caramel, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (2 sticks)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 4 medium-sized apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady (about 4 cups when sliced)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and prepare a 9ร13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to mix until coarse crumbs form with pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
- Reserve about 1ยฝ cups of this mixture for the topping, then press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a crust.
- Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss this mixture with the apple slices until evenly coated.
- Warm store-bought caramel in the microwave until pourable, then stir in coarse sea salt.
- Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust and drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples.
- Mix the reserved crumble with pecans, if desired, and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel and apples.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges. Tent with aluminum foil if it browns too quickly.
- Allow cooling for 2 hours before lifting out and cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of additional caramel for an extra special touch. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: caramel, apple, crumble, dessert, fall, autumn, bars
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