Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 624 reviews
  • Author: Ethan
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars (assuming 4x4 cutting) 1x

Description

These delicious Apple Crumble Bars combine a buttery, crumbly base and topping with a sweet and spiced apple filling. Baked to golden perfection and best served warm with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream, these bars make an irresistible dessert or snack perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Crumble

  • 125g unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (300g) plain/all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup (30g) rolled oats

Apple Filling

  • 3 – 4 large Granny Smith apples, cut into 0.7cm (1/3″) dice (~4 cups)
  • 1/4 cup (35g) plain/all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

To Serve

  • Salted caramel sauce
  • Ice cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking the bars.
  2. Prepare Pan: Grease a 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting after baking.
  3. Make Crumble Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, white sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix until no visible flour remains.
  4. Add Egg: Incorporate the egg into the mixture thoroughly to form a dough.
  5. Press Base: Lightly press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the base layer.
  6. Bake Base: Bake the base for 15 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
  7. Prepare Apple Filling: While the base bakes, combine the diced apples, plain flour, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Mix well to coat the apples evenly.
  8. Prepare Crumble Topping: Add rolled oats into the reserved one-third dough mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon or your fingers until the oats are mostly incorporated, forming the crumble topping.
  9. Assemble Bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked base. Then crumble the oat topping over the apples by hand, covering the surface.
  10. Bake Fully: Return to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top becomes deep golden brown.
  11. Cool and Remove: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
  12. Lift and Slice: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert out of the pan and place it on a cutting board. Cut into bars.
  13. Serve: Serve the bars warm or at room temperature. Enhance the flavor by drizzling salted caramel sauce and adding a scoop of ice cream alongside.

Notes

  • Using Granny Smith apples provides a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the crumble.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars after baking.
  • Ensure the butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.
  • Do not overbake the bars to keep the crumble moist inside.
  • These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for longer storage.
  • Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the warm spiced flavor of the apple filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple crumble bars, apple dessert, crumble bars, baked apple bars, fall dessert, easy apple recipe

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://theethankitchen.com/apple-crumble-bars-with-salted-caramel-and-ice-cream-recipe/