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To make tasty caramel apple crumble bars, gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 cups) - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Optional: chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for added crunch Feel free to add your own twist! Here are some options: - Chopped nuts for crunch - A pinch of ginger for spice - Dried cranberries for a tart kick - Drizzle of chocolate for sweetness You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. - Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine. - Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor. - Use any firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the filling. These choices keep your bars delicious while allowing for personal tastes. Enjoy your baking! First, gather all your ingredients. You need flour, oats, sugars, butter, spices, and apples. I love using fresh apples for this recipe. They make the bars taste great. You will also need caramel sauce. You can use store-bought or make your own. 1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or use parchment paper for easy removal. 2. Make Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until it looks crumbly. Save about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. 3. Press Crust: Firmly press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. This will be your crust. 4. Prepare Apples: In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and a bit of cinnamon. This keeps the apples fresh and adds flavor. Spread the apple mixture over the crust. 5. Add Caramel: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples. Make sure to cover them well for extra sweetness. 6. Crumble Topping: Now sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the caramel-covered apples. If you like, add chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. 7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden top and tender apples. 8. Cool and Serve: After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top. Slice the dessert into squares or bars. These bars taste best warm or at room temperature. For a special treat, serve them with vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce on top makes it even better. Enjoy each bite! For the best texture, use cold butter. Cut it into small pieces before mixing. This helps form a crumbly crust. Do not overmix the crust. Mix just until combined. Aim for a sandy texture. For the topping, keep some chunks. This adds a nice crunch. You can use store-bought caramel sauce for ease. If you want homemade, heat sugar in a pot. Stir it constantly until it melts. Add butter and heavy cream. Mix until smooth. Be careful, as hot sugar can burn. Let it cool slightly before using it in the bars. Serve these bars warm for the best taste. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly. Drizzle more caramel on top for extra sweetness. You can also add chopped nuts for crunch. Enjoy them with a cup of hot cider or coffee. {{image_2}} You can switch out the apples for other fruits. Pears, peaches, or berries work great. Each fruit adds its own flavor. If you pick berries, try mixing them for a fun twist. Use about four cups of diced fruit. Adjust your baking time if the fruit cooks faster. The crumble topping can be more than just oats and flour. You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. Try adding a bit of shredded coconut for a tropical touch. You can even mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just remember to keep the balance of dry and wet ingredients. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour. Almond flour works well too. For vegan options, swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based spread. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for sweetness. Choose a dairy-free caramel sauce to keep it vegan-friendly. With these swaps, you can enjoy these bars without worry. To keep your caramel apple crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They will stay good at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigeration. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for a week. You can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, slice them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your caramel apple crumble bars, you have a few options. You can use the microwave for a quick fix. Heat them for about 15-20 seconds, just until warm. For a crispier top, use an oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat the bars for about 10 minutes. This will make the crumble nice and crunchy again. Enjoy your treats warm! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, cover them tightly with plastic wrap. They will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap them well in foil before freezing. To keep your crumble crisp, be sure to use a firm apple. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp works well. Also, don’t skip the step of tossing apples with lemon juice. This helps keep their texture. Lastly, let the bars cool completely before slicing them. This helps set the crumble. Many toppings pair well with these bars. Here are a few ideas: - Vanilla ice cream adds creaminess. - Whipped cream makes it light. - Chopped nuts add crunch. - Extra caramel sauce for sweetness. - A sprinkle of sea salt for a nice contrast. Feel free to mix and match toppings to find your favorite! In this post, we covered how to make delicious caramel apple crumble bars. We discussed the essential ingredients and some optional ones for customization. You learned step-by-step instructions for baking, cooling, and serving. We shared tips for perfect texture and tasty caramel sauce. You also found variations for different diets and fruits, plus storage and freezing tips. These bars are fun to make and enjoy. You can change the recipe to fit your tastes. Get creative and have fun baking!

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious Caramel Apple Crumble Bars! This easy recipe combines buttery crust, spiced apples, and rich caramel for a dessert that's sure to impress. Follow our simple steps to create a cozy treat perfect for any occasion. From prep to bake, enjoy every moment of making these irresistible bars. Click through to discover how to whip up your own batch and wow your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 cups)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Optional: chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for added crunch

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

    Make Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until crumbly and well combined. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

      Press Crust: Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.

        Prepare Apples: In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon to coat evenly. Layer the apple mixture over the crust.

          Add Caramel: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples, making sure to cover them evenly.

            Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the caramel-coated apples. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts for extra texture.

              Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.

                Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top before slicing into squares or bars.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an indulgent treat.