Apple Crumble Bars with Oats and Caramel Sauce: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert

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There’s something magical about the combination of apples, butter, oats, and caramel—when these flavors come together, they create an irresistible dessert that warms both your heart and your kitchen. If you’re craving a treat that’s comforting yet indulgent, Apple Crumble Bars with Oats and Caramel Sauce are exactly what you need. Not only do these bars blend the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and buttery, but they also offer a satisfying contrast between a crisp, crumble topping and a tender, apple-filled base.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to make these mouthwatering bars, including a detailed recipe, helpful tips, and tricks to make your baking experience a breeze. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply to indulge in a cozy treat, these Apple Crumble Bars will quickly become your go-to dessert.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Apple Crumble Bars with Oats and Caramel Sauce

There’s no denying the timeless appeal of apple crumble. It’s a dessert that combines the richness of baked fruit with a satisfying, buttery topping. But when you take that classic crumble and transform it into portable, individual bars, you get a whole new level of convenience and indulgence. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• The Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tartness of Granny Smith apples combines beautifully with the sweet crumble and rich caramel sauce, creating a dessert that’s not too sweet or overly heavy.
• A Crunchy, Buttery Top: The addition of oats in the crumble topping adds texture, making each bite a perfect contrast to the soft apple filling.
• Indulgence at Its Best: When you serve these bars with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a scoop of creamy ice cream, you’ll elevate the dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones.
• Simple, Yet Impressive: Despite the seemingly complex layers, these bars are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a bakery.

Gather Your Ingredients for Apple Crumble Bars

Before diving into the baking process, let’s take a look at what you’ll need. This simple, but delicious recipe comes together with everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown:

For the Base and Crumble Topping

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1 large egg

For the Apple Filling

• 3-4 large Granny Smith apples, diced into 1/3-inch cubes (approximately 4 cups)
• 1/4 cup (35g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For Serving

• Salted caramel sauce
• Ice cream

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Perfect Apple Crumble Bars

Baking these Apple Crumble Bars is easy—just follow these simple steps to create a dessert that’s sure to wow.

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave extra paper hanging over the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled.
2. Mix the dough for the base: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and there are no visible streaks of flour. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
3. Add the egg: Beat in the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
4. Press into the pan: Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Make sure the dough is spread out well to form the base layer.
5. Bake the base: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the base is lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the base is cooling, it’s time to prepare the apple filling. Here’s how to do it:

1. Dice the apples: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples, then dice them into 1/3-inch cubes. You should end up with about 4 cups of diced apples.
2. Mix the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples with the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the apples are evenly coated with the flour and spices. The flour will help thicken the filling as it bakes.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. Mix oats into the dough: Take the remaining dough (the portion you didn’t use for the base) and mix in the rolled oats. You can use your hands or a spoon to work the oats into the dough until most of them are incorporated. The oats will add crunch and texture to the topping.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Crumble Bars

1. Layer the apples: Once the base has cooled slightly, spread the apple filling evenly over the base.
2. Top with the crumble: Crumble the oat mixture over the apples, making sure the entire surface is covered. Don’t worry if some pieces are larger than others—the uneven topping will create a lovely, rustic look when baked.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling slightly around the edges.
2. Cool the bars: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Once they’ve cooled slightly, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper and transfer them to a cutting board.
3. Cut and serve: Slice the bars into squares. Serve them warm with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Tips for the Best Apple Crumble Bars

While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few tips to help you perfect your Apple Crumble Bars with Oats and Caramel Sauce: Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce recipe

• Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for this recipe because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the sugar and caramel. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try Honeycrisp apples, but avoid overly sweet varieties like Red Delicious, as they can make the dessert too sugary.
• Let the base cool: Be sure to allow the base to cool slightly before adding the apple filling. This helps prevent the layers from blending together.
• Customize the topping: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the crumble for extra crunch and flavor. You can also experiment with other spices like ground ginger or cloves to give the filling a unique twist.
• Serve with a side of love: For an extra special treat, serve the bars with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce elevates the dessert and adds a rich, indulgent finish.

Nutritional Information

For those keeping an eye on their calories or trying to make healthier choices, here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving of these Apple Crumble Bars:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	~300 calories
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	20g
Protein	3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes! Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness, but you can use other apples such as Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter result. Just make sure to balance the sweetness of the apples with the sugar in the filling.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make these bars dairy-free, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure that the ice cream and caramel sauce are also dairy-free.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake these bars up to a day in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. They’re just as delicious the next day!

Can I freeze these Apple Crumble Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Conclusion: Indulge in Comfort and Flavor

Apple Crumble Bars with Oats and Caramel Sauce are a timeless dessert that offers both warmth and indulgence. With layers of buttery base, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat topping, these bars provide the ultimate comfort treat. Whether you’re enjoying them on a chilly afternoon or serving them at a special occasion, these bars are sure to delight. So why not give this easy yet impressive recipe a try today? You deserve a treat this delicious.

Go ahead—bake these Apple Crumble Bars and share the love with family and friends. You’ll be glad you did!

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