Caramel Apple Crisp Bars
These Caramel Apple Crisp Bars combine everything you love about a classic fall dessert into one irresistible, handheld treat. A buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, golden oat topping, and a generous drizzle of caramel come together in layers that taste like autumn in every bite. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or cozy weekends at home, they’re easy to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Servings: 12
Calories: 491kcal
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the filling
- 4 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter cubed
For finishing
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
- While the crust bakes, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
- In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
- Cool completely, then drizzle with caramel sauce. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- Best apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp hold their shape best and give you a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
- Cut evenly: Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they bake quickly and stay layered neatly inside the bars.
- Topping tip: Cold butter is key for a crumbly, crisp topping. If it’s too soft, chill the mixture for a few minutes before baking.
- Cool before slicing: Let the bars cool completely before cutting so the layers stay intact and the filling sets.
- Freezing: Skip the caramel drizzle and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then drizzle caramel before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 141mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 752IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg
