Apple Crisp Bars With Salted Caramel Brown Butter Drizzle

Get ready to fall head over heels for these Apple Crisp Bars with Salted Caramel Brown Butter Drizzle! This isn’t your grandma’s apple crisp (though we love that too!). We’ve taken all the cozy flavors of a classic apple crisp – tender spiced apples, a buttery oat crumble – and transformed them into easy-to-eat, utterly irresistible bars. But we didn’t stop there. A generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel brown butter takes these bars to a whole new level of decadent deliciousness. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or simply a cozy night in, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into what makes these apple crisp bars so special!

What You’ll Need

• 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our crisp base. All-purpose flour provides structure and a tender crumb. Be sure to measure correctly – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid packing it too tightly.
• 60g (½ cup) Rolled Oats: Adds a lovely chewy texture and nutty flavor to the crumble. Old-fashioned rolled oats work best here; quick-cooking oats will result in a less textured topping.
• 100g (½ cup) Almond Flour: Contributes a subtle nutty flavor and a delicate crumbly texture. Almond flour also adds a touch of moisture, keeping the bars tender.
• 150g (¾ cup) Light Brown Sugar, Packed: Provides sweetness and a warm, molasses-like flavor. Packing the brown sugar ensures you get the right amount of sweetness and moisture.
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: A quintessential spice for apple desserts, adding warmth and depth of flavor.
• ½ tsp Ground Cardamom: A fragrant spice that complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully, adding a unique and sophisticated note.
• ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg: Another warm spice that enhances the apple flavor and adds a cozy aroma.
• ¼ tsp Sea Salt, Plus Extra for Garnish: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a delightful textural contrast.
• 115g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Binds the crumble ingredients together and adds richness and flavor. Using melted butter creates a tender, crumbly texture.
• 2 Large Apples (≈300g / 10oz), Peeled, Cored, Thinly Sliced: The star of the show! We recommend using a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor and texture – Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala are all excellent choices.
• 2 tbsp (30ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright, tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
• 2 tbsp (25g) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps them to caramelize during baking.
• 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances the apple flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
• 100g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar (for caramel drizzle): The base for our luscious salted caramel.
• 45g (3 tbsp) Unsalted Butter (for caramel): Adds richness and flavor to the caramel.
• 60ml (¼ cup) Heavy Cream (for caramel): Creates a smooth and creamy caramel sauce.
• ½ tsp Flaky Sea Salt (for caramel and garnish): Balances the sweetness of the caramel and adds a delightful salty kick.
• 2 tbsp (≈15g) Toasted Almond Slivers (for garnish): Adds a beautiful visual contrast and a satisfying crunch.

Substitutions & Variations

Feel free to customize these bars to your liking! Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Nut-Free: Replace the almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or oat flour.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the crumble for extra warmth.
• Different Fruit: Try using pears, peaches, or a combination of fruits instead of apples.

Let’s Bake: Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures even baking. Line a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13-inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This parchment paper sling will make removing the finished bars a breeze – no sticking or crumbling!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, almond flour, packed light brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and ¼ tsp of sea salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
3. Incorporate Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients. Use a fork or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter coats the flour, creating those lovely, tender crumbs. Don’t overmix; you want visible crumbs, not a paste.
4. Divide the Crumble: Divide the crumb mixture in half. Set aside half of the crumble for the topping. This ensures a generous and satisfyingly crunchy topping.
5. Press the Base: Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or your fingers to create an even, compact base layer. A firm base is essential for holding the apple filling and preventing the bars from falling apart.
6. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, and alcohol-free vanilla extract. The lemon juice prevents browning and adds a bright, tart counterpoint to the sweetness. The sugar helps draw out the apple’s natural juices, creating a delicious sauce.
7. Layer the Apples: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prepared crumb base. Arrange the apple slices in a slightly overlapping pattern for maximum apple flavor in every bite.
8. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the apples. Gently press the topping down to help it adhere to the apples. This creates that classic apple crisp texture.
9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. The bubbling apples indicate that the filling is cooked through and the sugars have caramelized.
10. Make the Salted Caramel Drizzle: While the bars are baking, prepare the salted caramel drizzle. In a medium saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat, without stirring, until it turns a deep amber color. This requires patience! Once amber, whisk in the butter until smooth.
11. Emulsify with Cream & Salt: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly (be careful of hot steam!). Remove from heat and stir in the flaky sea salt. The caramel will bubble vigorously as you add the cream – this is normal. Let the caramel thicken for a few minutes before drizzling.
12. Drizzle & Garnish: Remove the baked bars from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the surface, allowing it to seep into the crevices. Scatter toasted almond slivers and a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top.
13. Cool & Cut: Cool the bars completely on a wire rack before cutting into bars with a sharp knife. Cooling allows the caramel to set and the bars to firm up, making them easier to cut cleanly.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Crisp Bars

• Apple Choice: While any firm baking apple will work, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn apples are excellent choices. They hold their shape well during baking and offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can result in dry apples and a hard topping. Keep a close eye on the bars during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Salt is Key: Don’t skip the flaky sea salt! It enhances the sweetness of the caramel and apples, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.

The Science Behind Brown Butter Caramel

The magic of this salted caramel drizzle lies in the brown butter. Browning the butter isn’t just about flavor; it’s a chemical transformation. Heating the butter past its melting point causes the milk solids to separate and toast, creating nutty, complex aromas and a richer, more intense flavor. This depth of flavor elevates the caramel from simply sweet to something truly special. The addition of flaky sea salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.

Why These Apple Crisp Bars Work

These Apple Crisp Bars aren’t just delicious; they’re designed for success. The combination of the buttery, crumbly base, the tender spiced apples, and the decadent salted caramel drizzle creates a textural and flavor symphony. The almond flour in the base adds a subtle nutty flavor and a slightly more tender crumb. The use of rolled oats provides a pleasant chewiness. The lemon juice in the apple filling prevents oxidation and brightens the overall flavor. It’s a recipe built on layers of flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is a delight.

Storing Your Apple Crisp Bars

Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. If freezing, cut the bars into individual portions before freezing for easy thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use different types of nuts? Yes! Pecans or walnuts would be delicious substitutes for the almond slivers.
• Can I make these gluten-free? You can try substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Can I make the caramel ahead of time? Yes, the caramel can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before drizzling.

These Apple Crisp Bars with Salted Caramel Brown Butter Drizzle are the perfect fall treat! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to impress. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!

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