Print

Cozy Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars with Easy Homemade Oat Shortbread Crust

salted caramel apple crumb bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These bars feature a buttery oat shortbread crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a rich homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings or anytime you want a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute with almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

  1. Make the oat shortbread crust: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter. Pulse in a food processor until coarse crumbs form or rub butter into dry ingredients with fingertips until crumbly. Press about two-thirds of mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch pan.
  2. Prepare the apple filling: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
  3. Assemble the bars: Spread apple mixture evenly over the oat crust layer. Sprinkle remaining oat shortbread crumbs over the apples, breaking up large clumps but not pressing down.
  4. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake bars for 40-45 minutes until topping is golden and apples are bubbling.
  5. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar, stirring constantly until deep amber. Add cubed butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in warmed heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer 1-2 minutes until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly.
  6. Finish and serve: Once bars have cooled at least 20 minutes, drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep butter cold when making the crust to avoid greasiness. Slice apples thin for best texture. Stir caramel constantly and keep heat moderate to prevent burning. Let bars cool before drizzling caramel to maintain glossy finish. Bars keep well refrigerated for up to five days and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel, apple crumb bars, oat shortbread crust, fall dessert, homemade caramel, easy dessert, cozy dessert

Find it online: https://milacook.com/cozy-salted-caramel-apple-crumb-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-oat-shortbread-crust/