Caramel Apple Crumb Bars (Printable)
Buttery shortbread base topped with spiced apples, rich caramel, and golden crumb topping
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust and Crumb
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→ Apple Filling
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→ Caramel Layer
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# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal later.
02 - Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in vanilla extract.
03 - Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press remaining dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust base.
04 - Bake the crust for 12 minutes until set, then remove from oven.
05 - Toss apple slices with lemon juice in a bowl. Add sugar, flour, and cinnamon, mixing well until apples are evenly coated.
06 - Spread the apple mixture evenly over the hot crust. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.
07 - Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the caramel and apple layer.
08 - Bake for 28-32 minutes until topping is light golden brown and apples are tender when pierced.
09 - Cool completely in the pan before lifting out using parchment paper. Cut into 16 bars.
# Expert Tips:
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- The combination of tender shortbread, warm spiced apples, and buttery caramel hits every comfort note imaginable
- These bars look impressive but come together with simple pantry staples and minimal effort
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- Letting the bars cool completely is crucial or they'll fall apart when you try to cut them
- Mixing tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives you the best balance of flavor
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- Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it feels too warm and sticky to work with
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the neatest squares