Caramel Apple Crunch Bars are layered fall dessert bars with a buttery crust, a soft cinnamon-apple filling, a crunchy oat or crumb topping, and a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top.
Caramel Apple Crunch Bars from The Dinner Recipe are layered dessert bars with a buttery oat crust, a tender cinnamon‑apple filling, a crumbly oat topping, and gooey caramel running through the middle.
Main components
- Base and topping: A crumb mixture made from flour, quick‑cooking oats, salt, baking soda, butter, shortening, and brown sugar is used both as the bottom crust and the crunchy top layer.
- Apple and caramel layer: Several cups of peeled, chopped apples are spread over the crust, then warmed caramel dip is poured on top before finishing with the reserved crumb mixture.
Basic method
Mix dry ingredients (flour, oats, salt, baking soda), then beat butter, shortening, and sugar; combine to form a crumbly mixture, press most into a 9×13‑inch pan, and reserve the rest. Spread chopped apples over the crust, pour over melted caramel dip, sprinkle with remaining crumbs, and bake at about 400°F until the top is golden and the apples are tender, then cool slightly before cutting into bars and refrigerate leftovers.
Key components
- Crust: Often a shortbread‑style or graham/oat base made from flour or oats, brown sugar, and melted butter pressed into the pan.
- Apple layer: Sliced or diced apples tossed with sugar, cinnamon, a little flour, and sometimes lemon juice to make a soft, pie‑like filling.
- Crunch topping and caramel: Reserved crumb or oat mixture baked on top for crunch, then finished with salted caramel sauce drizzled over the cooled or slightly warm bars.
Basic method
Press the crumb or shortbread mixture into a lined pan and par‑bake if the recipe calls for it. Layer on the prepared apple mixture, sprinkle with the remaining crumb/oat topping, bake until the apples are tender and the top is golden, then cool, drizzle with caramel, and slice into bars.
Caramel Apple Crunch Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
- Set the oven temperature to 400°F, or 200°C. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal, or lightly oil it.
- Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping
- Put the softened butter, shortening (if using), and brown sugar in a large bowl. Using a medium-speed electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Mix the oats, baking soda, salt, and 1¾ cups flour in a separate basin. Mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until they are crumbly and thoroughly combined.
- Step 3: Form the Crust
- To make the topping, measure out and save 2 cups of the crumbly mixture. To create a solid crust, evenly press the remaining ingredients into the bottom of the baking pan.
- Step 4: Prepare the Apples
- To keep the apples from browning, combine the lemon juice and diced apples in a medium bowl. Next, dust the apples with the three tablespoons of flour and toss once more to coat. As the apples bake, the flour helps to thicken their juices. Evenly cover the prepared crust with the apple mixture.
- Step 5: Melt the Caramel
- Melt the unwrapped caramels with the water or heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often until smooth. You may omit this step if you are using caramel sauce from a jar.
- Step 6: Assemble the Bars
- Evenly cover the apple layer with the melted caramel. Cover the caramel and apples with the remaining oat mixture. Using your hands or a spatula, lightly press the topping down.
- Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Before slicing the bars into squares, let them cool somewhat. You may either let them cool fully at room temperature or even put them in the refrigerator for a little while if you want cleaner cuts. Any leftovers should be refrigerated, covered.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Caramel apple crunch bars Recipe
This Caramel Apple Crunch Bars recipe is a fall favorite for a reason:
- Triple-Layer Texture: The bottom has a firm, buttery crust, the middle has a soft, spiced apple layer, and the top has a crunchy, sweet crumble. It is a masterwork of texture!
- The Perfect Autumn Flavour: In one mouthful, the flavours of toasty cinnamon, tangy apples, rich brown sugar, and gooey caramel sauce perfectly encapsulate autumn.
- Transportable Dessert: These bars are far easier to slice, serve, and pack for lunchboxes, potlucks, and parties than a classic apple pie or crisp.
- Make-Ahead Compliant: The bars are a perfect dish for entertaining because they taste even better the following day after the flavours have had chance to combine.
FAQs
Which kind of apple is ideal for use?
Because of their acidity, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel and brown sugar, Granny Smith apples are highly recommended. Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp are great firm substitutes if you like a softer flavour.
Is it possible to utilise different kinds of oats?
Both Old-Fashioned (rolled) and Quick-Cooking oats work well in the crumb combination. Instant oats have an excessively powdered texture, so avoid using them.
How should leftover bars be stored?
The cooled bars can be kept in the fridge for up to a week or at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Indeed. Cut the bars into squares after they have cooled fully. After securely wrapping each bar in plastic wrap, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for the entire night.
If I do not have caramel sauce, what then?
Individual wrapped caramels (about 14 ounces) can be melted in a skillet over low heat with a spoonful or two of milk or cream until smooth and pourable. A basic homemade caramel sauce is another option.
Final Notes
- The Cooling Period is Key: Avoid cutting the bars while they are still heated by allowing them to cool down. In order to prevent the bars from becoming a crumbly, mushy mass that is challenging to serve, the caramel coating must cool and firm.
- Spice It Up: A sprinkle of powdered nutmeg or allspice can be added to the apple filling mixture to offer an additional layer of flavour.
- Suggestion for Serving: These Caramel apple crunch bars taste great at room temperature, but for a really rich treat, serve them warm with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream and more caramel sauce.
