Description
These Caramel Apple Crumb Bars feature a buttery oat crumble base, perfectly spiced apples, ribbons of melted caramel, and a golden crumb topping. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible – they taste like autumn in every bite!
Ingredients
Crust & Crumb Topping (same mixture, split in two)
- 1½ cups butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 3½ cups apples, peeled and diced (mix of Granny Smith and Gala)
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Caramel Layer
- 1 (10.8-oz) package Werther’s soft caramels (about 48 caramels)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line that 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides – this makes lifting the bars out so much easier later, and you’ll thank me when it’s time to cut clean squares.
Mix the melted butter with brown sugar, flour, oats, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and vanilla in a large bowl. Stir until it looks like chunky cookie dough. Now here’s important – divide this mixture in half and set one portion aside for the topping. Press the remaining half firmly into your prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.
Toss your diced apples with lemon juice first (this stops them from browning), then add the allspice and flour. The flour soaks up extra apple juices so your bars won’t get soggy. Spread this mixture evenly over your pressed crust.
Put caramels and cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes until smooth and glossy. Take it off the heat, add vanilla, and immediately drizzle over the apples while it’s still warm and pourable.
Sprinkle that reserved crumb mixture over everything. Don’t press it down – just let it fall naturally for the best texture.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the kitchen smells incredible. The center might still jiggle slightly, but it’ll set as it cools.
This is the hardest part – wait at least 30 minutes before cutting! Use the parchment overhang to lift the whole thing out, then cut into squares with a sharp knife.
Notes
Apple prep shortcut: Cut all your apples first, then toss with lemon juice right away so they don’t turn brown while you’re getting everything else ready.
Butter temperature: Let melted butter cool for 5 minutes before mixing it in. Too hot and it starts cooking the other stuff.
Crumb topping trick: Break up any big chunks with your hands when you sprinkle the final layer on top.
Done test: Look for golden brown edges. The middle can still wiggle a tiny bit – it firms up as it cools.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking