Description of this recipe: Indulge in the delightful combination of tart apples, a buttery oat crumble, and a luscious caramel drizzle with these Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. This recipe delivers the comforting flavors of fall in a convenient and satisfying bar form. It’s a perfect treat for potlucks, afternoon snacks, or any time you crave a warm and homey dessert.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet and tart apples, combined with the nutty oat crumble and rich caramel, create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to put together, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to cut and serve, making them ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your own personal touch by incorporating nuts, spices, or different types of apples.
- Textural Delight: The contrast between the soft apple filling, the crumbly topping, and the smooth caramel drizzle is simply irresistible.
Ingredients:
- For the Crust and Crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a combination)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for thinning)
Preparation:
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumble:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Set the remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.
- Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling:
- In a separate large bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly.
- Pour the apple filling over the prepared crust in the baking pan.
- Step 3: Add the Crumble Topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apple filling.
- Step 4: Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
- Step 5: Cool and Drizzle:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
- While the bars are cooling, prepare the caramel drizzle. If using store-bought caramel sauce, warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds. If desired, thin it out with a tablespoon of heavy cream.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the cooled bars.
- Cut the bars into squares and serve.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cider.
Tips:
- For the best flavor, use a combination of tart and sweet apples.
- Make sure the butter is very cold for the crumb mixture; this will help create a tender and crumbly texture.
- If the crumble topping starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil.
- For a more intense caramel flavor, use homemade salted caramel sauce.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Nutritional Information (per bar, approximate):
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary based on ingredients used and serving sizes.
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Conclusion
These Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. The combination of warm spices, sweet apples, and buttery crumble is simply irresistible. They are easy to make, perfect for sharing, and sure to become a new family favorite. So, bake up a batch and enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite combination. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, and Fuji apples all work well. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples will create a balanced and flavorful filling.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! The Caramel Apple Crumble Bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If storing in the refrigerator, allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Q3: Can I freeze these bars?
A3: Yes, you can freeze these bars for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely, then cut them into squares. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q4: Can I use a different type of flour?
A4: While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can substitute it with whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber. Be aware that using whole wheat flour may result in a slightly denser texture. It’s not recommended to use gluten-free blends unless you have prior experience with them and understand how they will affect the recipe’s outcome.
Q5: Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
A5: Definitely! Adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping is a great way to add extra flavor and texture. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds would all be delicious additions. Simply add about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts to the crumb mixture before sprinkling it over the apple filling. Consider toasting the nuts lightly before adding them to the crumble to enhance their flavor.
