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To make delicious caramel apple crumble bars, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract You can also add a few optional items for extra flavor. Consider using: - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. - Dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries, for a sweet touch. - A pinch of nutmeg for warmth alongside cinnamon. These extras will give your bars a unique twist, making them even more enjoyable! First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, grab a 9x9-inch baking pan. You can grease it or line it with parchment paper. Both methods help with easy removal later. In a large bowl, mix the dry crust ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This blend creates a nice flavor base. Pour in 3/4 cup of melted butter. Stir until crumbly. Now, press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking pan. It should cover the bottom evenly. This forms a tasty crust for your bars. Take 4 medium apples and peel, core, and dice them. In a separate bowl, toss these apple pieces with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This step adds brightness to the apples. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer. Then, drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the apples. Make sure to cover them well. The caramel adds sweetness and richness. Now, crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the caramel and apples. Press it down lightly to hold it in place. This creates a nice topping. Bake your bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Check for a golden top and bubbling apples. Once done, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. If you used parchment paper, lift them out easily. Cut into squares, and enjoy your delicious treat! To get the best texture for your crumble, use cold butter. This keeps the mixture crumbly instead of mushy. When mixing, stop when the ingredients look like coarse crumbs. Substitutes for oats and flour: If you need a swap, try almond flour for a nutty taste. You can also use coconut flour, but use less as it absorbs more moisture. For oats, you can use crushed nuts or seeds. This gives a different crunch and flavor. For a lovely presentation, dust your bars with powdered sugar. It adds a sweet touch. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top. These bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm crumble and cold ice cream create a delightful mix. Whipped cream is another great option for topping. It adds creaminess and lightness to each bite. {{image_2}} You can add nuts or dried fruit to your bars. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins give a sweet touch. Try mixing in a half-cup of your favorite nuts or fruits for added flavor. Using different fruit combinations can also change things up. Pears, for example, work well with apples. You can even try berries for a fresh twist. Mixing fruits can make your bars unique and fun. If you need gluten-free options, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Oats are often gluten-free, but check the label to be sure. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bars. For vegan options, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use plant-based caramel sauce. There are many brands available that are dairy-free. This keeps the flavor rich without using animal products. To keep your caramel apple crumble bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This helps avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a humid area, you may want to store them in the fridge. Just remember, cold air can make the bars a bit less soft. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the bars cool completely. Then cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, take the bars out of the freezer. Leave them in the fridge overnight. For a quicker thaw, you can set them out at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Enjoy them as a tasty treat whenever you like! Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. It saves time and is easy to find. Look for a good quality sauce for the best flavor. If you have time, making your own caramel is great too. Homemade caramel can add a special touch to your bars. You can tell the bars are done when the top is golden brown. Also, check if the apples are bubbling around the edges. The smell will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait! If you tap the top lightly, it should feel firm, not soft. The best apples for baking are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Granny Smith gives a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Other good options include Fuji and Braeburn. Always choose firm apples for the best texture in your bars. In this blog post, I covered the key ingredients and simple steps to make delicious apple bars. You learned how to prepare the crust, layer the filling, and bake to perfection. I also shared handy tips for texture and serving. Remember, you can customize the recipe with different fruits or dietary needs. Store your bars properly and enjoy them fresh or frozen. With these techniques, your apple bars will impress anyone who tries them. Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of these Caramel Apple Crumble Bars! Perfect for dessert lovers, this easy recipe combines sweet apples, rich caramel, and a buttery oat crumble topping. Bake a batch to enjoy with family or friends, and elevate your dessert game. Ready to impress? Click through to discover the full recipe and make your kitchen smell heavenly with warm, caramel goodness!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

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

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

      Pour in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients are crumbly but well combined.

        Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a crust layer. Make it evenly distributed.

          In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and vanilla extract. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer.

            Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples, ensuring an even coating.

              Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the caramel and apple layer, pressing lightly to hold it in place.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling.

                  Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper if you lined the pan, and cut into squares.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 squares

                      - Presentation Tips: Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving, and consider adding a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top. Optionally, you can serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat!