Warm, buttery, and perfectly spiced, these Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are everything you love about fall in one sweet bite.
Each layer melts together with tender apples and gooey caramel for a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant.
The buttery oat crumble adds cozy texture, while cinnamon fills your kitchen with that classic autumn aroma.
Easy to make and easy to share, these bars are a family favorite for the holidays or any chilly evening.
Grab a fork — it’s apple pie comfort, simplified into bar form!
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup melted butter
- 3 cups diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly.
- Press half the mixture into the pan to form a crust.
- Toss diced apples with caramel and cinnamon, then spread evenly over crust.
- Sprinkle remaining crumble on top.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely, drizzle with caramel, and slice into bars.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these bars slightly warm for the ultimate cozy treat — the caramel turns irresistibly gooey, and the apples become extra tender.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel for a bakery-style dessert.
- They’re also delicious chilled if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, coffee breaks, or cozy nights in by the fire.
- Whether served plain or dressed up, each bite delivers pure autumn comfort.
❄️ Storage & Tips
- Store covered for 4 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
- Reheat briefly before serving for that warm apple-pie feel.
Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, butter, and salt until crumbly.
- Press half the mixture into the pan to form a crust.
- Toss diced apples with caramel and cinnamon, then spread evenly over crust.
- Sprinkle remaining crumble on top.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely, drizzle with caramel, and slice into bars.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!❓ FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce or should I make my own?
Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe, especially when you’re short on time. If you’d like to make your own, a homemade caramel adds an extra buttery depth that pairs beautifully with the apples. The key is to use a thicker caramel so it doesn’t run when baked.
What type of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel. You can even mix varieties for depth — a blend of tart and sweet apples gives amazing flavor contrast.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but keep in mind that quick oats will create a softer crumble, while rolled oats add more texture. Both work — it just depends on whether you want a chewy or crisper topping.
How do I know when the bars are baked perfectly?
The top should be golden brown, and you’ll notice the caramel bubbling gently around the edges. The bars will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking — they should be slightly soft when you take them out.
Can I freeze these bars for later?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap them tightly in parchment and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. To enjoy again, thaw in the fridge overnight or warm slightly in the oven before serving.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt make a delicious variation that adds crunch and flavor balance.
Conclusion
Sweet, soft, and full of golden caramel goodness — these bars capture the flavor of home-baked comfort.
Every bite feels like a warm fall hug, from the crisp oat topping to the gooey apple filling. 🍎
Serve them with ice cream, drizzle with caramel, or enjoy straight from the pan.
Perfect for gatherings, gifts, or cozy nights in by the fire.
These Caramel Apple Crumble Bars prove simple desserts can still steal the show!