These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat are the dessert you’ll dream about all season long! Imagine a buttery, cinnamon-kissed crumble layered with juicy apples and finished with a luscious drizzle of salted caramel, all in an easy-to-share bar form. Not only are they stunning and fragrant straight from the oven, but they also capture that warm, nostalgic autumn feeling with every sweet-and-salty bite. If you want the taste of caramel apples and a classic crisp wrapped up in one perfect bar, this is the recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these bars is in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a role to play, from creating the perfect crumbly crust to infusing every layer with cozy fall flavors. Here’s what you need, along with a tip for each so you get the best possible results in every batch.

Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels and get that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Granulated Sugar: This classic sweetener helps the bars brown and heightens the apple flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the warmth and rounds out the spiced apples.
Salt: Just a hint balances the sweet and brings all the flavors together.
All-Purpose Flour: The sturdy base for your crumble—don’t over-mix, or it loses that delicious crumbly texture.
Apples: Peel and slice them thinly for the softest bite; Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work beautifully.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Either homemade or store-bought, but always choose one you love by the spoonful.
Ground Cinnamon: This essential spice gives that unmistakable “fall” aroma and flavor in every bar.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds cozy depth and brings complexity to the apple layer.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and don’t skip lining your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this makes lifting out your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat a total breeze later. The extra step means bar edges won’t stick, and you’ll get those perfectly cut squares every time.

Step 2: Mix the Crumble Dough

In a big mixing bowl, combine your melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and fragrant. Add your all-purpose flour and gently mix just until it becomes crumbly—think big, buttery pebbles—so both your base and topping have that craveable, rustic texture.

Step 3: Press and Pre-Bake the Crust

Scoop about two-thirds of your crumble dough into the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly to create a thick, buttery base. Don’t worry about it being perfectly smooth; a little rustic charm adds personality! This sturdy layer will support all that luscious apple and caramel goodness.

Step 4: Toss the Apples with Spices

In a separate bowl, toss your thin apple slices with ground cinnamon and nutmeg until they’re lightly coated. This simple step transforms ordinary apples into a fragrant, autumn-inspired filling for your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat.

Step 5: Layer the Apples and Drizzle Caramel

Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over your pressed crust. Next, drizzle the salted caramel sauce all over the apples—don’t skimp! The caramel will bubble and flow around the apples, infusing the bars with sweet, salty decadence.

Step 6: Crumble and Bake

Crumble the rest of your dough over the top of the apples and caramel, leaving some pieces large for amazing texture once baked. Bake in the center of your oven for 40-45 minutes, until the crumble turns golden and the apples are fork-tender. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Here’s the hardest part—waiting! Let the bars cool completely right in the pan. This helps them set up firm and makes cutting a cinch. Once cool, grab the parchment edges to lift them out and slice the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat into squares or rectangles.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top or drizzle with extra caramel sauce just before serving. A dusting of powdered sugar or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream will really make these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat an unforgettable dessert center stage.

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with a hot mug of spiced apple cider, a chai latte, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a cozy afternoon treat. They also shine alongside fresh fruit or a handful of toasted pecans, making every bite feel special and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the dessert table! Stack bars on a rustic wooden board for a picnic, pop them into treat bags for gifting, or serve them as part of a fall brunch spread. Their handheld design makes Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat perfect for any gathering, from family movie night to bountiful holiday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover bars covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The crumble stays wonderfully crisp and the apples remain tender, so you’ll enjoy fresh-tasting treats all week.

Freezing

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat freeze beautifully! Wrap the bars individually or layer them with parchment in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for grab-and-go snacks that taste freshly baked.

Reheating

If you love that warm, bakery-fresh flavor, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a low oven until just warmed through. Top with extra caramel or a scoop of ice cream to recreate that just-baked magic—your tastebuds will thank you!

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for these bars?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Everything else stays the same, so you get deliciously crumbly, gluten-free Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat.

What apple varieties work best?

Tart apples like Granny Smith bring a tangy contrast to the sweet caramel, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji create a mellow, juicy bite. You can even mix two kinds for extra depth.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Definitely! These bars maintain their texture and flavor for several days. Make them a day in advance and store them covered; they actually taste even better once the flavors have mingled.

Should I peel the apples?

Yes, for the best texture, peel your apples before slicing. This ensures each bite of your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat is tender and lovely, with no chewy bits of skin.

Can I use store-bought salted caramel sauce?

Absolutely—there’s no need to make your own if you have a brand you like. The key is using one that’s rich and just a little salty for the perfect balance of flavors in these fall bars.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat bring as much warmth and joy to your home as they do to mine. They’re that magical mix of cozy, easy, and totally irresistible—don’t be surprised if they vanish in a flash! Give them a try, and share the love with friends and family this season.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Fall Treat Recipe

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These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful fall treat, combining the sweetness of apples with the richness of salted caramel, all nestled in a buttery crumble crust.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Apple Filling:

3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix crust: In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour until crumbly. Press two-thirds of the mixture into the pan.
Prepare apple filling: Toss apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread over crust and drizzle with caramel sauce. Crumble remaining flour mixture on top.
Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and apples are tender.
Cool and serve: Cool completely before cutting into bars.