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Wholesome Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Bars (Easy Recipe)

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These wholesome salted caramel apple crumble bars feature a buttery oat base, a thick layer of spiced apples, a ribbon of salted caramel, and a crunchy crumble top. They use whole-grain flour and less sugar than traditional versions, making them a guilt-free treat perfect for fall baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • ½ cup packed coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (use coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch cubes (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for sprinkling on top
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides.
  2. Make the crust and crumble mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat pastry flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is evenly moistened. Set aside about 1 cup of this mixture for the crumble topping.
  3. Press the crust: Transfer the remaining mixture to your prepared pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the bottom. Bake for 12 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Let it cool slightly.
  4. Prepare the apple filling: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure every piece is coated.
  5. Make the salted caramel: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the coconut sugar and stir constantly for about 2 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbling. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Continue stirring for another minute until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the flaky sea salt and vanilla extract. Let it cool for 2 minutes.
  6. Layer the bars: Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Pour the salted caramel directly over the apples. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly on top.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the crumble is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  8. Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.
  9. Slice and serve: Once completely cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Use a sharp knife to cut into 9 or 16 squares. Sprinkle a tiny bit more flaky sea salt on top just before serving.

Notes

Pre-baking the crust for 12 minutes is key to prevent sogginess. Use rolled oats, not quick oats, for best texture. Let bars cool completely before cutting to allow caramel to set. For a 9×13 pan, double all ingredients and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crumble bars, salted caramel, wholesome dessert, fall baking, easy recipe, whole grain, oat crust

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/wholesome-salted-caramel-apple-crumble-bars-easy-recipe/