Description
These Apple Crisp Bars combine tender spiced apples and a buttery oat crumble with a decadent salted caramel brown butter drizzle. They’re perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 60g (½ cup) Rolled Oats: Adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
- 100g (½ cup) Almond Flour: Contributes a nutty flavor and delicate crumbly texture.
- 150g (¾ cup) Light Brown Sugar, Packed: Provides sweetness and a warm, molasses-like flavor.
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- ½ tsp Ground Cardamom: Complements the apple and cinnamon with a unique note.
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg: Enhances the apple flavor and adds a cozy aroma.
- ¼ tsp Sea Salt, Plus Extra for Garnish: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 115g (½ cup) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- 300g (2 large) Apples, Peeled, Cored, Thinly Sliced: The star of the show; use a mix of varieties.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and adds tartness.
- 2 tbsp (25g) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps caramelize.
- 1 tsp Alcohol-Free Vanilla Extract: Enhances apple flavor.
- 100g (½ cup) Granulated Sugar (for caramel): Base for the salted caramel.
- 45g (3 tbsp) Unsalted Butter (for caramel): Adds richness to the caramel.
- 60ml (¼ cup) Heavy Cream (for caramel): Creates a smooth caramel sauce.
- ½ tsp Flaky Sea Salt (for caramel and garnish): Balances caramel sweetness.
- 2 tbsp (≈15g) Toasted Almond Slivers (for garnish): Adds crunch and visual appeal.
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13-inch) pan with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, oats, almond flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt.
- Incorporate Butter: Mix in melted butter until crumbly.
- Divide Crumble: Divide the crumble mixture in half, setting aside half for topping.
- Press Base: Press remaining crumble into the prepared pan.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Layer Apples: Spread apple mixture over the crumb base.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle reserved crumble topping over apples.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
- Make Caramel: Melt sugar over medium heat until amber, then whisk in butter and cream. Stir in salt.
- Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle warm caramel over bars and sprinkle with almond slivers and salt.
- Cool & Cut: Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
For best results, use a mix of apple varieties. Don’t overbake to avoid dry apples. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is key to balancing the flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: apple crisp bars,salted caramel,brown butter,dessert,baking,fall,apples,easy recipe