Description
These caramel apple crumb bars feature a gooey caramel apple filling sandwiched between a buttery oat crumble base and topping. Easy to make and loaded with cozy autumn flavors, they’re perfect for sharing at potlucks or enjoying with coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy lifting. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to blend.
- Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly but moist. If mixture feels dry, add 1-2 tbsp milk or water.
- Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of the crumble for topping. Press the rest evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, toss chopped apples with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Spread apple mixture evenly over the pressed oat base.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples. Warm slightly if needed for easier pouring.
- Sprinkle reserved oat crumble evenly over the caramel apple layer. Press down lightly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. Check at 30 minutes and tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
- Lift bars from pan using parchment. Cut into 16 squares. For neat edges, use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts.
Notes
For gluten-free bars, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. For vegan, substitute coconut oil for butter and use dairy-free caramel. Bars slice best when fully cooled. Add nuts or dried fruit for extra texture. Store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: caramel apple bars, oat crumble, apple dessert, fall baking, easy dessert, crumb bars, autumn recipe