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To make these tasty bars, gather these main ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar, tightly packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for garnish) These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The apples add freshness, while the caramel brings richness. You will need some basic tools to make these bars: - A 9x13 inch baking dish - Parchment paper - Large mixing bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Mixing spoon or spatula - Knife and cutting board for apples Using the right tools makes your cooking easier and more fun. If you want to switch things up, here are some great ideas: - For gluten-free bars, use gluten-free flour. - Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different flavor. - Use any apple type you like, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. - Try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. - Instead of salted caramel, use chocolate sauce for a twist. These substitutions can make the recipe fit your taste and diet. Feel free to get creative! 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even baking. 2. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang for easy removal later. 3. In a large bowl, mix together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 4. Make sure to blend these dry ingredients well. This ensures a great flavor. 5. Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 1 large egg to the dry mix. Stir until it forms a crumbly dough. 6. Press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. This creates a solid crust. 7. In another bowl, toss 4 diced medium apples with half of the salted caramel sauce. This adds sweet flavor. 8. Spread the apple mix evenly over the crust. 1. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top of the apples. This adds more texture. 2. Drizzle the rest of the salted caramel sauce over the top. This gives a rich flavor. 3. Bake in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check if the top is golden brown and apples are tender. 1. Once baked, take the dish out and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This helps the bars set. 2. After cooling, sprinkle the top with a bit of sea salt for an amazing taste contrast. 3. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. This makes cutting easier. 4. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving. 5. For a lovely display, serve the bars on a wooden board. Drizzle more salted caramel and add fresh apple slices. To get the best crumble, mix your dry ingredients well. Combine flour, oats, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. When you add melted butter and egg, mix until crumbly. Do not overwork it; keep a few bigger crumbs. This will give your bars that nice crunchy top. One common mistake is using too many wet ingredients. This can make your crumble soggy. Make sure to press the base firmly into the pan. If it’s loose, it may fall apart when cut. Also, don’t skip the cooling step. Cutting too soon can make a mess. For a beautiful presentation, place the bars on a wooden board. Drizzle extra salted caramel on top. Add a few fresh apple slices for color. Use a sharp knife to cut neat squares or rectangles. This makes them look appealing and ready to enjoy. {{image_4}} You can add nuts or other fruits to your bars. Walnuts or pecans work great for a crunch. Just chop them and mix them with the apples. You can also try adding berries like raspberries or blueberries. They add a nice tartness. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on sweetness. If you need gluten-free bars, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Make sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum. For oats, choose certified gluten-free oats. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worry. For extra flavor, try adding spices. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can give warmth. You can also mix in vanilla extract for a sweet aroma. If you love a richer taste, consider adding maple syrup along with the caramel. It adds depth and a lovely sweetness to the bars. To keep your leftover salted caramel apple crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, the fridge works well too. Just remember to let them cool fully before sealing. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is a great option. First, cut them into squares. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge. To reheat your bars, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method keeps the crumble nice and crisp. If you want, you can also microwave a single bar for about 20-30 seconds. Enjoy them warm for the best taste! You can tell the bars are done when the top is golden brown. The apples should be soft when you poke them with a fork. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil. Yes, you can swap apples for other fruits. Pears, peaches, or berries work well. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. For example, berries might need less sugar than apples. Make sure to chop the fruit into small pieces for even cooking. Making salted caramel sauce is easy. Start by melting 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until it melts and turns a golden color. Then, add 6 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Add 1 teaspoon of sea salt and mix well. Let it cool before using it in your bars. This sauce adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the apples. You learned how to make salted caramel apple crumble bars step-by-step. We covered ingredients, equipment, and tips for the perfect texture. You discovered fun variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions. With these insights, you'll create bars that impress. Enjoy sharing this delicious treat with others! Happy baking, and may each bite bring joy!

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars! This easy recipe combines tender apples, rich salted caramel, and a crumbly oat topping for a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Follow our simple steps and create a treat that will impress your family and friends. Click to explore the full recipe and get ready to bake something truly special that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, tightly packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang to facilitate easy removal later.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

      Add the melted butter and the egg to the dry mixture. Stir everything together until it forms a crumbly, moist dough.

        Take about two-thirds of this crumble mixture and press it firmly into the base of the prepared baking dish, creating a compact crust.

          In another bowl, gently toss the diced apples with half of the salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon, ensuring the apples are well-coated. Evenly distribute this apple mixture over the crust in the baking dish.

            Sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture on top of the apple layer, creating a delightful texture.

              Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the crumble layer for that extra burst of flavor.

                Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

                  Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. After cooling, sprinkle the top with a touch of sea salt for a savory contrast.

                    Using the parchment overhang, carefully lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars

                        - Presentation Tips: For an inviting display, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board. Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce and garnish with a few fresh apple slices for an appealing and fresh touch.