Name: Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for apples); 30 soft caramels; 2 tbsp heavy cream

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect treat when I want something cozy, sweet, and packed with fall flavor. They’re layered with a buttery crumble crust, a gooey caramel center, tender spiced apples, and a golden crumbly topping. Every bite gives me the best parts of apple pie and caramel crumble—without the fuss of making a full pie.

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it blends classic apple pie flavor with a soft, buttery crumble and a sweet caramel drizzle. It’s easier than pie—literally. No rolling dough, no fancy techniques—just press, layer, and bake. These bars hold their shape well, which makes them great for gatherings or a quick dessert to take on the go. They also taste just as amazing warm or chilled.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned oats
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Apples (peeled and chopped)
Lemon juice
Cornstarch
Soft caramels
Heavy cream

directions

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper.
For the crumble, I mix flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Then I add melted butter and stir until crumbly.
I press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In another bowl, I toss the chopped apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, and a bit of cinnamon until well coated.
I spread the apple mixture over the crust layer evenly.
Then I melt the soft caramels with heavy cream in a saucepan or microwave until smooth, and pour this over the apple layer.
I sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.
Finally, I bake the bars for 30–35 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
After baking, I let them cool completely before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars. I usually prep everything in around 20 minutes, and the bars bake for 30 to 35 minutes. I allow them to cool for at least an hour before slicing, especially if I want clean cuts.

Variations

When I’m in the mood to switch things up, I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for an added crunch. I’ve also used pears instead of apples for a different twist. For a salted caramel version, I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just after baking. If I want to make it gluten-free, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

storage/reheating

Once cooled, I store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If I want them to last longer, I refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To reheat, I pop a square in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds—just enough to warm up that caramel again.

FAQs

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

I always make sure to bake the crust a little before adding the apple layer if I want extra crispness. Using cornstarch in the apple mixture also helps prevent excess moisture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, I often make them a day in advance. They actually slice better after they’ve had time to chill and set.

What type of apples work best?

I like using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape and balance out the sweetness of the caramel.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

If I’m short on time, I do use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels. I just make sure it’s thick enough so it doesn’t run too much during baking.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, I freeze them after they’re fully cooled and cut. I wrap each bar individually and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thawing them at room temperature works just fine.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars bring together the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall in a simple, satisfying dessert. I love how easy they are to make and how versatile they can be. Whether it’s for a cozy night in, a potluck, or just because I’m craving something sweet and buttery, these bars always hit the spot.