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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 3/4 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup caramel sauce If you need gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. This works well in most recipes. For those who want a dairy-free version, you can swap unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. If you are looking for sweetener alternatives, consider using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. These options can change the flavor a bit but will still taste great. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. 2. Make the crust mixture and press it into the baking dish: In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Blend these well. Next, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 ½ cups of this mixture for the topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes. While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling. In a medium bowl, take 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced. Toss these apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. The lemon juice keeps the apples fresh and tasty. 1. Assemble the bars and bake according to directions: Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Drizzle about 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top, then drizzle with more caramel sauce. 2. Cooling and cutting instructions: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and tender apples. Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set. Finally, lift the bars out and cut them into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, with extra caramel if you like. To know when your caramel apple crumble bars are done, look for a golden top. The apples should feel soft when you poke them with a fork. This shows they are cooked well. For the best texture, let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes in the pan. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier. If you cut them too soon, they might fall apart. These bars shine when served warm. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold cream balances the warm bars perfectly. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. This adds sweetness and makes the bars look fancy. A sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the flavors too. You can prepare these bars ahead of time. Make the crust and apple filling a day before. Just assemble and bake when you're ready. If you want to freeze them, let the bars cool completely first. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your caramel apple crumble bars by adding nuts or dried fruits. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. If you prefer something sweeter, try adding raisins or dried cranberries. These additions boost flavor and texture. You might also swap out spices for a new twist. Ginger and clove can bring warmth to your bars. Use a teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of ground clove for a unique taste. These spices work well with apples and caramel. If you follow a vegan diet, you can easily adapt this recipe. Swap unsalted butter for vegan butter. For caramel, use a plant-based version, or make your own with coconut milk and sugar. This way, you can enjoy the bars without dairy. If you are watching your sugar intake, try low-sugar options. Use sugar substitutes like monk fruit or stevia. You can also choose apples that are naturally sweeter to cut down on added sugar. For a keto-friendly version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the bars low in carbs while still being tasty. To keep your caramel apple crumble bars fresh: - Refrigeration: Place the bars in an airtight container. This keeps them moist. Store in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep your bars longer, consider freezing them. - Freezing: Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you want to enjoy your bars warm: - Softening Bars: Microwave the bars for about 10 to 15 seconds. This will warm them without drying them out. - Re-crisping Topping: To make the topping crispy again, place the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. This gives them a nice crunch, just like when they first came out of the oven. Can I use different types of apples? Yes, you can use any apple you like. However, tart apples like Granny Smith work best. They balance the sweetness of the caramel and sugar. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples can add great flavor, too. What is the best way to cut the bars? To cut the bars easily, let them cool completely. Use a sharp knife to slice through them. For clean cuts, warm the knife under hot water before cutting. Wipe the knife clean after each slice for neat edges. How long will these bars last and how should I store them? These bars can last about five days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Why did my bars crumble when cutting? Your bars may crumble if they are too warm when you cut them. Make sure to let them cool for at least 30 minutes in the pan. If they are still warm, they might not hold together well. How to fix super dry crumble topping? If your crumble topping is too dry, mix in a little melted butter. Start with one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a crumbly texture. Adding a splash of water or milk can also help soften the mixture. You can create delicious apple dessert bars with simple steps and easy ingredients. We covered everything from the list of ingredients to baking tips. Making swaps or trying variations can make this recipe fit your needs. Remember to store leftovers right and reheat them well. These bars are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty treats!

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Indulge in the sweet delight of Caramel Apple Crumble Bars with this easy recipe! Made with tart apples, a buttery crumble topping, and drizzled with rich caramel sauce, these bars are perfect for dessert lovers. Whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these delicious treats are sure to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dessert to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

    Make Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until combined.

      Add Butter: Add the softened butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

        Reserve Topping: Take about 1 ½ cups of the crumb mixture and set it aside for topping the bars later.

          Press Crust: Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven.

            Prepare Apple Filling: While the crust is baking, in a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.

              Assemble Bars: After the crust has baked, remove it from the oven and spread the diced apple mixture evenly over the crust. Drizzle about 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the apples.

                Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top, followed by a drizzle of the remaining caramel sauce.

                  Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

                    Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting out and cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, drizzled with extra caramel if desired.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12-15 bars

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve bars on a rustic wooden board with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, drizzling more caramel sauce over the top just before serving for an extra touch!