Caramel Apple Crumb Bars (Printable View)

Tender shortbread layers with spiced caramel apples and golden buttery crumbs. An autumn favorite that serves 16.

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust and Crumb Topping

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold, cubed
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Apple Filling

06 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
07 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
08 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Caramel Layer

11 - 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly. Stir in vanilla extract.
03 - Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the mixture for topping. Press remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
04 - Bake the crust for 12 minutes, then remove from oven.
05 - Toss apple slices with lemon juice. Add sugar, flour, and cinnamon, tossing to coat evenly.
06 - Spread apple mixture over hot crust. Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
07 - Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture evenly over the top.
08 - Bake for 28-32 minutes or until topping is light golden brown and apples are tender.
09 - Let cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment and cut into bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The buttery crust stays tender even after days in the cookie jar
  • You get all the flavors of caramel apples without the sticky mess of eating them on a stick
  • The crumb topping creates this perfect texture contrast that makes people reach for seconds
02 -
  • Hot caramel will slide right off the apples so drizzle it after they are arranged in the pan
  • Letting these cool completely is not optional or they will fall apart when you cut them
  • The crust should feel slightly soft when it comes out of the oven because it will firm up as it cools
03 -
  • Chill your mixing bowl for 10 minutes before making the crumb mixture if your kitchen is warm
  • Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust down evenly without tearing it

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