Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Introduction

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

The Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe is the ultimate fall treat that brings together a harmonious blend of buttery crust, sweet apples, rich caramel, and a crumbly topping. The dessert is perfect for chilly weather gatherings or as a cozy family treat. Its tantalizing flavors of apple and caramel, paired with a hint of salted goodness, make it a must-try treat for the autumn season.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

For the Crust and Crumble:

– All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups)
– Rolled oats (1 cup)
– Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed)
– Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted)
– Granulated sugar (3/4 cup)

For the Apple Filling:

– Apples, peeled, cored, and diced (3 cups, about 3 medium-sized apples)
– Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
– Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
– Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
– Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

– Granulated sugar (1 cup)
– Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons)
– Heavy cream (1/2 cup)
– Sea salt (1 teaspoon)

Prep Time

Preparations for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

To create these delightful bars, begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. The preparation starts by blending the base and crumb-topping mixture, which consists of rolled oats, flour, sugar, and melted butter. This will serve as the foundation and ultimate crumbly texture on top.

For the apple filling, ensure the apples are peeled, diced, and tossed with a combination of lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Prepare the salted caramel sauce, combining sugar, butter, cream, and sea salt simmered to achieve a smooth and rich sauce.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking and Finishing Touches

The total oven cook time for this dessert masterpiece is approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Begin with partially baking the crust to achieve a firm texture before layering the apple filling, salted caramel, and crumble topping. Post-cooking, set the bars aside to cool entirely to allow the layers to set perfectly.

The total time, including preparation and cooking, requires approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Finally, this incredible recipe yields around 16 servings, making it an excellent choice for sharing with family and friends or portioning for multiple occasions.

So, indulge in the warmth of fall flavors with these irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars—a treat so good that it will become your go-to autumn recipe!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch (or similarly sized) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Combine melted butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir until well blended.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside and let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks.
2. Place the diced apples into a mixing bowl and toss them with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add cold, cubed butter into the mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set the crumble topping aside.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Bars

1. Spread the prepared apple filling evenly over the baked crust.
2. Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously and evenly on top of the apple layer, ensuring full coverage.
3. Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for approximately 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Add Salted Caramel

1. Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle salted caramel sauce generously over the top of the crumble.
2. Use a spatula or knife to lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
3. Cut into squares or bars for serving.

Notes

Note 1: Storage Instructions

1. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. For longer storage, refrigerate the bars for up to 1 week.

Note 2: Serving Suggestions

1. These bars are delicious on their own but can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Note 3: Make-Ahead Tips

1. You can prepare the crust and apple filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.

Note 4: Ingredient Substitutions

1. If you don’t have salted caramel sauce, you can use regular caramel and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a similar effect.
2. If you prefer a nutty twist, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.

Note 5: Apple Variety

1. Use a firm and slightly tart apple variety like Granny Smith for the best results, as they hold up well during baking without becoming mushy.
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Cook Techniques

Preparing the Apple Mixture

To create the perfect apple filling, make sure to peel and dice the apples evenly. This allows for uniform cooking and ensures the apples achieve the ideal tender texture. Mixing them with sugar, cinnamon, and other spices creates a balanced flavor.

Creating the Crumble Topping

The crumble topping requires a delicate combination of flour, oats, sugar, and butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix, as the crumble should remain light and crumbly.

Layering the Bars

To assemble the bars, start with a sturdy and even layer of crust, followed by spreading the apple mixture. Ensure the apple layer is spread evenly to avoid inconsistent bites. Finish with an even sprinkling of the crumble topping.

Baking the Apple Crumble Bars

Bake the bars in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Ensure the bars are baked on the center rack for balanced heat distribution.

Cooling and Cutting

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This step helps the bars set properly, making it easier to slice them evenly without breaking apart.

FAQ

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, you can substitute apples with fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Ensure the chosen fruit is diced similarly to achieve consistent cooking.

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith work great for this recipe as they balance the sweetness of the caramel and crumble topping. However, you can also mix sweet and tart varieties for a unique flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the bars a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer them chilled.

How should I store leftover bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat before serving if desired.

Can these bars be frozen?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Once completely cool, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.

Do I need to use salted caramel?

Salted caramel enhances the flavor profile by balancing the sweetness and adding depth. However, you can use regular caramel if preferred. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the bars for a similar effect.

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Conclusion

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the epitome of fall treats, combining rich salted caramel and fresh apples with a buttery crumble. This dessert brings warmth and comfort, perfect for autumn gatherings or just to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, these bars are sure to delight.

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