Caramel Apple Crumb Bars

It's that time of year again when apple orchards call and my kitchen smells like cinnamon and warm caramel. My annual fall bucket baking list always includes seasonal favorites such as Apple Crumb Cake, Autumn Spice Cake, Apple Bread Pudding and Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins.

But instead of a traditional apple pie, I've perfected a chewy oat-crisp style caramel apple bar that's easier to make and slice. This isn't your typical shortbread + streusel bar - think crisped oats, tender apple slices, and just the right drizzle of caramel.

Ingredients and Notes

Here’s an overview of ingredients you’ll need to make these dessert bars and notes on substitutions.

Flour: I use all-purpose flour, but wheat flour works as a 1:1 substitution.

Apples: Granny Smith are generally the preferred variety for baking because they aren’t overly sweet and hold shape well. Other apple varieties such as Gala or Golden Delicious can be substituted if you like something sweeter.

Old Fashioned Oats: I recommend Old Fashioned Oats because this creates better structure and chewier texture. Quick Oats bake rapidly and produce a doughier consistency.

Cranberries: Cranberries are optional, but I love pairing something tart with the delicate apples and caramel sauce. I recommend the dried variety.

Caramels: I typically use caramel bits or caramel squares. There’s a section below that talks more in depth about this.

Butter: Use melted, unsalted butter. If you have salted butter, remove the salt in the recipe.

Brown Sugar: I’ve used Light or Dark Brown Sugar in the recipe with good results, although dark brown sugar has a bit more moisture in it.

Variations I have Tried

• Apple Pie Spice: Add a teaspoon of apple pie spice to the crumb topping mixture for a slightly different burst of seasonal delight.
• Golden Raisins: Golden raisins add texture and flavor. Add them in or use them as an alternative to the cranberries.
• Nut Swap: Nuts are optional. You can leave out the walnuts or swap them out for another nut like pecans.
• Dulce de Leche: Drizzle dulce de leche instead of caramel for a creamier experience.

How to Make Homemade Caramel Sauce?

Completely from scratch. If you want to completely make the sauce from scratch using only sugar, butter, and cream, then I recommend this recipe.

Using real caramels. My personal preference is to use these caramel bits, but you can substitute 32 caramel squares like these. It’s much faster than from scratch, and using real caramel gives it a rich, buttery flavor.

Store-bought caramel sauce. Some spoonable brands in a jar work well. If using a squeeze bottle brand (like this one), I recommend thickening it with flour. In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 cups caramel topping and ½ cup flour with a whisk. Bring to a slight boil, stirring constantly and boil 1-3 minutes.

Step By Step Recipe Guide

The recipe quantities and notes are further down the page, but these illustrations give you an idea of how it all comes together.

Prepare the Apples. Core and peel the apples. Cut into thin slices for best results.

1. Make the oat crumble mixture. Mix until evenly crumbly and wet. Set aside 1 ½ cups of the crumble mixture. Press the rest into the bottom of your baking dish.
2. Spread apple slices over the baked crust. Sprinkle cranberries and nuts if desired.
3. Make the caramel sauce. The caramel will thicken as it cools. Pour the sauce over the dish while still warm., but not super-hot.
4. Crumble the remaining oatmeal mixture evenly over the top. Press just slightly into the caramel sauce. Bake about 25 minutes and let it cool before cutting it into bars.

Chef Tips for Making Apple Crumb Bars

• For storing, allow to completely cool and store in a lidded container. They can be left at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you like them firmer, they can also be store in the refrigerator.
• Use a 12 x 9 rectangle casserole dish like this baking pan of similar size. You can use a 13×9 pan but keep in mind that the bars will be slightly thinner.
• Be sure to really press in the crust, particularly the bottom. You don't want the bars to fall apart in your hands.
• Let the apple crumble bars cool completely, (at least an hour) before trying to remove them from the baking pan. This will help keep them together.
• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in the oven or air fryer to restore texture. I have not frozen these to know how they bake afterward.
• These apple pie bars are especially delicious served warm with vanilla ice cream over top.

Watch the Recipe Video

I recorded myself preparing Apple Crumb Bars in the video below. The written instructions are in the recipe card further down the page.

More Fall Baking Inspiration!

Here are some of my favorite recipes that I make most years.

• Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
• Gourmet Chocolate Candy Apples
• Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
• Monster Cookie Bars
• Yellow Squash Muffins