If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you have to try this Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic apple crumble, transformed into easy-to-handle bars that are packed with tender, tart apple chunks and a buttery, crumbly topping. The magic happens when these bars meet a drizzle of luscious salted caramel sauce and a scoop of creamy ice cream, creating an indulgent balance of textures and flavors that you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of an apple crumble bar with three clear layers. The bottom layer is a thick, golden brown crust with a firm texture. Above it, there is a middle layer of cooked apple chunks that look soft and slightly shiny, with a pale yellow color. The top layer is a crumbly, golden topping made of oats and small pieces, giving a rough texture with some darker brown spots from baking. The bar is placed on white parchment paper on a wooden surface, and a stick of cinnamon is beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring out the best in the apples and crumble topping, while the salted caramel and ice cream add that irresistible finishing touch. Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious bars:

Unsalted butter, 125g / 1 stick, melted: Provides a rich, moist base and crumbly texture for both the crust and topping.
Plain (all-purpose) flour, 2 cups (300g): The foundation of the dough that holds everything together with just the right structure.
White sugar, 1/2 cup (100g): Adds sweetness, balancing the tartness of the apples perfectly.
Baking powder, 1/2 tsp: Helps lighten the base for a tender bite.
Pinch of salt: Enhances flavor depth and balances sweetness.
Egg, 1: Binds the dough, keeping it cohesive yet crumbly.
Rolled oats, 1/3 cup (30g): Adds a wholesome texture to the crumble topping — don’t substitute quick oats here!
Granny Smith apples, 3 – 4 large (~4 cups), diced: The star of the filling with a tangy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet toppings.
Plain flour, 1/4 cup (35g): Thickens the apple filling to hold everything neatly inside the bars.
White sugar, 1/4 cup (50g): Sweetens the apples while complimenting their natural tartness.
Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp: Wakes up the apples with a warm, spicy note.
Nutmeg, 1/4 tsp: Adds a subtle aromatic kick to the filling.
Salted caramel sauce: The dreamy topping that brings all the flavors together into something truly special.
Ice cream: The cold, creamy partner that’s a must with warm apple crumble bars.

How to Make Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease an 8-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, plain flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until no white flour patches remain, then add the egg and mix well. Lightly press two-thirds of this mixture into the base of your prepared pan to form an even layer.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Base

Bake the base for about 15 minutes until it develops a subtle golden hue. This pre-bake ensures your bars won’t become soggy when the filling is added. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes — the perfect time to prepare your apple filling.

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

While the base is baking, dice your Granny Smith apples into roughly 0.7 cm (1/3 inch) pieces for a delightful bite. Toss these in a bowl with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This coating helps the apples maintain their shape and infuses them with warming spice.

Step 4: Create the Crumble Topping

Take the reserved one-third of the dough mixture and add the rolled oats. Use your fingers or a wooden spoon to incorporate the oats until they’re mostly blended into the dough, creating a beautifully textured crumble topping that bakes to a deep golden crisp.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread the apple filling evenly over the cooled base, then crumble the oat-topped dough generously on top. Pop your assembled tray back into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous deep golden color on top that signals it’s perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the tin. Use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift the whole slab out. Once cool, slice into bars. Whether you eat them with your hands or on a plate, these bars are meant to be devoured with joy.

How to Serve Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe

A square piece of apple crumble bar sits on light brown parchment paper over a wood surface, with visible layers: a thick golden brown crust base, a chunky apple filling with a caramel glaze over it, and a crumbly oat topping that is golden and textured. On top of the crumble bar is a scoop of white vanilla ice cream, around which dark brown caramel sauce is being poured from above, dripping down the sides. Nearby, fresh green apple slices rest on the parchment paper. The background is out of focus with a plain white look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the bars are scrumptious on their own, adding a drizzle of salted caramel sauce instantly takes this dessert from lovely to legendary. A scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream melting on the warm bars brings cool creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the warm, spiced apples and crumbly topping. You can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel for an added pop of flavor if you like.

Side Dishes

These bars shine as a standalone dessert, but pairing them with a light cup of black tea or fresh brewed coffee can balance their rich sweetness wonderfully. For a festive touch, serve alongside some spiced mulled cider or a frothy cappuccino to complement those autumnal spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking bars in a rustic wooden tray for a charming dessert display at gatherings. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on elegant toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing dessert platter. For an indulgent treat, serve each bar with a drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce and a dusting of cinnamon sugar to wow your guests visually and palatably.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 or 5 days. If you live in a warm climate, refrigerate to keep the bars fresh longer. The crumble topping softens slightly over time but remains delicious. You can always crisp it up by briefly broiling the bars before serving again.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven charm, reheat the bars in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes. This warms the apples nicely and crisps the topping. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crumble texture intact, but it works in a pinch if you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples give a lovely tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet crumble, but you can substitute with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn. If your apples are very sweet, you might want to cut back on the sugar slightly.

Is it necessary to use rolled oats in the crumble topping?

Yes, rolled oats add that signature chewy texture and rustic look to the topping. Avoid quick or instant oats, as they don’t provide the same structure or mouthfeel.

How do I make salted caramel sauce at home?

Salted caramel sauce is typically made by melting sugar until caramelized, then adding butter, cream, and a pinch of sea salt. It’s easy to prepare from scratch, or you can use a high-quality store-bought sauce for convenience.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

To make it vegan, try substituting butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flaxseed egg or another binder in place of the egg. For gluten-free, swap the plain flour for a gluten-free blend. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without them falling apart?

Using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts helps create neat slices. Cooling the bars completely before slicing is key, and using parchment paper to lift the bars out makes handling easier.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel Sauce and Ice Cream Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that marries classic comfort with modern convenience. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family dessert or a festive gathering, these bars will not disappoint. I can’t wait for you to make them your own and see how quickly they disappear — enjoy every bite!