When the crisp breeze of fall settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than the scent of baked apples and caramel drifting through the kitchen. If you’re craving something other than the usual pumpkin fall desserts, these Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are your new go-to. They’re buttery, gooey, and bursting with cinnamon-kissed apples and rich caramel—all in a bar you can hold in your hand!
Why Caramel Apple Crumble Bars Are Perfect for Fall
Pumpkin fall desserts often take the spotlight during autumn, but apple desserts bring their own kind of warm magic. These bars balance sweet and tart, soft and crumbly, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings, Thanksgiving, or a cozy night in. They’re easy to slice, store, and share—no fork required.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
For the Crust and Crumble:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
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1 cup packed light brown sugar
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
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3–4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
the Caramel Sauce:
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¾ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Required Kitchen Tools
To prepare these bars with ease, here are the essential kitchen tools:
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9×13-inch baking pan
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Parchment paper
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Mixing bowls (medium and large)
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Saucepan (if making caramel from scratch)
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Apple peeler and knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2: Make the Crust and Crumble
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Flour
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Rolled oats
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Brown sugar
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Salt
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Cinnamon
Add the melted butter and mix until crumbly. The mixture should resemble coarse wet sand.
Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
3: Prepare the Apple Filling
While the crust bakes:
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Peel and dice the apples into small cubes.
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Toss them in lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
The cornstarch will help thicken the juices released by the apples during baking.
4: Assemble the Bars
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Spread the apple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
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Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples generously.
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Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the top.
5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing. This ensures clean, sturdy bars that hold together well.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
1. Best Apples to Use:
Granny Smith apples add a nice tart balance to the sweet caramel, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well if you prefer a sweeter filling.
2. Don’t Skip the Chill:
Chilling the bars after baking makes slicing easier and helps the caramel set properly.
3. Make Ahead:
You can prepare these bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge. The flavors deepen overnight, making them even more irresistible.
4. Homemade Caramel Option:
Want to level up the flavor? Make your own caramel sauce with sugar, butter, and cream—it’s easier than you think and delivers a richer taste.
5. Add Texture:
For a nutty crunch, stir ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping before baking.
6. Pumpkin Pairing Idea:
Serve alongside a warm pumpkin spice latte or pair with pumpkin mousse for a full spread of pumpkin fall desserts.
Nutritional Information (per bar, estimated for 20 bars)
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Calories: 280
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Sugars: 22g
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Protein: 2g
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Fiber: 2g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why These Bars Belong on Your Pumpkin Fall Desserts Table
Even if you’re a pumpkin dessert lover, these bars provide a delicious contrast that complements any fall-themed dessert table. The buttery oat crumble, warm spiced apples, and gooey caramel deliver all the flavors of autumn in one hand-held treat.
If you’re preparing for a fall potluck, Thanksgiving feast, or simply looking for something sweet to go with your pumpkin pies and breads, Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are the perfect addition. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter and an easy way to offer variety to your usual lineup of pumpkin fall desserts.
Conclusion
Whether you’re indulging in pumpkin fall desserts or looking to expand your fall baking repertoire, Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are an absolute must-try. Their layered texture, caramel richness, and spiced apple center make them one of the coziest, most crowd-pleasing treats of the season.