Amazing Salted Caramel Apple Crumble in 40 Mins

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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars have become my absolute favorite way to capture the essence of autumn. I remember the first time I tried making them; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of warm apples, cinnamon, and sweet caramel, and I knew I was onto something special. These bars are pure comfort food – tender, spiced apples nestled between a buttery, crumbly crust and topping, all drizzled with that irresistible salted caramel sauce. They’re the perfect addition to any collection of fall treats. If you’ve ever wondered how to make salted caramel apple crumble bars that are both impressive and surprisingly simple, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Recipe

This recipe is an absolute winner for so many reasons. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with tender apples and a delightful crunch that truly embodies the spirit of fall.

  • Incredible Flavor: The blend of warm spices, sweet apples, rich caramel, and a hint of salt is simply divine.
  • Quick Prep Time: You can whip up this easy salted caramel apple crumble in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an affordable way to enjoy a gourmet dessert.
  • Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these bars, making them a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
  • Versatile Treat: It’s an easy salted caramel apple crumble that works for dessert, snacks, or even a special breakfast treat.
  • Comforting & Cozy: The warm, spiced apple and caramel aroma fills your home, creating a truly comforting experience.
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable for dietary needs, like a gluten-free salted caramel apple crumble.

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Ingredients

Gathering the right homemade salted caramel apple crumble ingredients is the first step to baking perfection. For the crust and topping, you’ll need 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar. These form the base of our delicious crumble. We also need 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, which gives the crumble its structure and satisfying texture. For the filling, make sure you have 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples – tart varieties like Granny Smith are fantastic here! And of course, the star of the show: 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce, which adds that irresistible gooey, salty-sweet layer. Finally, for that warm, cozy flavor, we’ll use 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg. These spices are crucial for that classic fall taste!

Amazing Salted Caramel Apple Crumble in 40 Mins - Salted Caramel Apple Crumble - additional detail

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful salted caramel apple crumble dessert. This recipe makes it easy to achieve that perfect balance of tender fruit and buttery crumble!

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to help lift the bars out later. This step is crucial for a successful quick salted caramel apple crumble.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract (if using). Gradually add the 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and mix until it forms a crumbly dough.
  3. Step 3: Take about two-thirds of this crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will form the delicious, sturdy base for your bars and is key to a great apple crumble with salted caramel.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, gently toss the 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples with 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg until they are evenly coated. Make sure every slice gets a little spice!
  5. Step 5: Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over the pressed crust in the pan. Try to get an even layer so every bite has plenty of apple goodness.
  6. Step 6: Now for the magic! Drizzle the 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce generously over the apples. Don’t be shy – this is what makes it truly special!
  7. Step 7: Take the remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the apples and caramel sauce. This topping will bake into a golden, delicious crunch. This is part of what makes it a quick salted caramel apple crumble that’s so satisfying.
  8. Step 8: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and you can see the apples are tender and bubbling slightly around the edges. The aroma will be incredible!
  9. Step 9: Once baked, let the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is vital for clean slicing. Rushing this step can lead to crumbly bars that fall apart.

Amazing Salted Caramel Apple Crumble in 40 Mins - Salted Caramel Apple Crumble - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

To elevate your apple crumble bars from good to absolutely amazing, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really make a difference. These tips will help ensure your bars are perfectly textured and bursting with flavor every single time.

  • Use a mix of apple varieties, like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness, for a more complex flavor profile in your apple crumble bars.
  • Don’t skip the chilling step for the crumble mixture before baking; it helps create a crispier topping.
  • Ensure your salted caramel sauce is thick enough; a runnier sauce can make the bars soggy.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel before adding the final crumble layer.

What’s the secret to perfect Salted Caramel Apple Crumble?

The real secret to a truly gourmet salted caramel apple crumble lies in the balance of textures and flavors. Using slightly tart apples, a buttery, crumbly topping, and a rich, slightly salty caramel sauce creates that irresistible combination. Don’t overwork the crumble mixture!

Can I make Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the bars completely a day in advance. Once cooled, cover them tightly and store them at room temperature. This makes them a fantastic option for meal prep and ensures you have a delicious dessert ready to go. For more dessert inspiration, check out our recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Salted Caramel Apple Crumble?

A common pitfall is using apples that are too sweet or mushy. Stick to firm, tart apples like Granny Smith. Also, avoid overmixing the crumble; overworking it develops gluten, leading to a tough texture instead of a tender, crumbly one. For other baking tips, you can explore resources on ingredient substitution.

Best Ways to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

These bars are incredibly versatile and delicious served in so many ways! For a classic dessert experience, warm them up slightly and top with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the warm crumble and cold ice cream is pure bliss. Another fantastic option is to serve them alongside a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with a hint of cinnamon. These salted caramel apple crumble serving ideas pair wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. They’re also fantastic on their own, showcasing the rich flavors of apple and caramel. For a different sweet treat, try our frozen banana Snickers.

Nutrition Facts for Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

Understanding the nutritional breakdown can help you enjoy this treat mindfully. These are estimates for one serving of our delicious caramel apple crumble dessert, which is approximately 70g.

  • Calories: 280
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used for your homemade salted caramel apple crumble. For more information on healthy eating, you can refer to NHS Eatwell Guide.

How to Store and Reheat Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

Properly storing your delicious salted caramel apple crumble bars ensures they stay fresh and tasty for days. Once they’ve cooled completely in the pan – and please, let them cool fully for cleaner slices! – you can carefully lift them out using the parchment paper overhang. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes them perfect for a quick treat anytime. You might also enjoy our caramel brownie cheesecake.

Reheating is simple! For bars stored at room temperature or in the fridge, you can enjoy them as is or warm them gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a toaster oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until slightly warmed. If reheating from frozen, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then follow the gentle warming methods above. Enjoy your perfectly preserved and deliciously reheated salted caramel apple crisp!

Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

What is salted caramel apple crumble?

Salted caramel apple crumble is a delightful dessert that takes the classic apple crumble to a new level. It features tender, spiced apples baked under a crunchy crumble topping, but with the added decadent layer of rich, salty caramel sauce drizzled throughout. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated treat that balances sweet, tart, and salty flavors beautifully.

Why is salted caramel apple crumble popular?

It’s incredibly popular because it hits all the right notes! The combination of warm, comforting apple crumble with the trendy, irresistible flavor of salted caramel is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It evokes feelings of coziness and indulgence, making it a perfect dessert for fall gatherings or any time you crave something truly special. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal apples. For more information on seasonal produce, you can visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

Can I use different types of apples for my crumble?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are fantastic for providing a flavor contrast to the sweet caramel and crumble, you can certainly mix them with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added depth. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape during baking. This flexibility makes it easy to create your own signature apple crumble with salted caramel.

How do I ensure the caramel doesn’t burn?

To prevent the caramel from burning, make sure your apples are evenly spread, creating a slight barrier. If you’re concerned, you can drizzle the caramel sauce just around the edges of the pan and in a few strategic spots, rather than all over. Baking at the correct temperature also helps. A good quality, thick salted caramel sauce is your best bet for a perfect salted caramel apple crumble dessert.

Variations of Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

This delicious Salted Caramel Apple Crumble recipe is wonderfully adaptable. If you’re looking for a gluten-free salted caramel apple crumble, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and topping. For those following a plant-based diet, a vegan salted caramel apple crumble is totally achievable! Use vegan butter and ensure your caramel sauce is dairy-free. You could also explore different flavor additions, like adding a handful of chopped pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and nutty flavor, or a touch of cardamom alongside the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile. For other meat-free options, consider our turkey meatloaf recipe.

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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

Amazing Salted Caramel Apple Crumble in 40 Mins


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  • Author: Fenna Saul
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delight in the cozy flavors of fall with these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars. This irresistible dessert features tender, spiced apples topped with a rich salted caramel sauce and a buttery crumble that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Ideal for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a comforting after-school snack, these bars are sure to impress family and friends alike. Easy to make with simple ingredients, they bring the essence of autumn right to your kitchen. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them chilled as a delightful treat. Embrace the season and indulge in this delicious Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars recipe today!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples
  • 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until combined. Add flour slowly until crumbly.
  3. Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  4. In another bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg until evenly coated.
  5. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
  6. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the apples.
  7. Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the apples and caramel sauce.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
  9. Allow the Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into bars.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
  • Do not overmix the crumble mixture to maintain a tender texture.
  • Cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (70g)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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