Caramel Apple Crisp Bars

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A sweet, crunchy, caramel-drizzled apple crisp bar.

These bars are full of warm spices, caramel drizzle, and the perfect crunch, making them the ultimate autumn treat! Whether you're baking for a gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling incredible. So let’s dive in!"

Total in‑oven time: ~32–40 minutes | Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted

• Pinch of salt

For the Apple Filling:

• 3-4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled and diced

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp flour (to thicken)

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1/2 cup (45g) old-fashioned oats

• 1/2 cup (62g) all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup (50g) packed brown sugar

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Ingredient Alternatives

• Flour: A 1 to 1 gluten-free flour blend can be used instead of all purpose flour for both the crust and the topping. You can also substitute half the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor and a little extra protein.

• Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for the crust and topping. If using coconut oil, note it will add a slight coconut flavor. Applesauce can also be used for a lower-fat alternative. Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce..

• Spices: A pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger) will still give the dessert a warm, cozy flavor. Add a pinch of ground cardamom for a unique, fragrant twist that complements apple flavors well.

• Apples: Use ripe pears or a mix of apples and pears for a slightly different flavor and texture. If you want a mixed fruit dessert, add a handful of cranberries or blueberries for a pop of tartness and color.

• Caramel Sauce: A coconut milk-based caramel sauce would be a vegan-friendly option.

  • Salted Date Caramel Sauce: Blend pitted dates with a splash of warm water, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for a refined-sugar-free caramel substitute.

• Sugar: Substitute half the sugar in the apple filling with honey or maple syrup for a richer flavor. You can also use maple syrup in the crust for an extra hint of flavor. 

  • Brown sugar can also be swapped with coconut sugar for a less refined, subtly caramel-like sweetness. 

• Oats: you can use crushed walnuts or pecans in place of oats in the topping. This also adds a nice, crunchy texture. If you’d like to use oats but you’re out of old-fashioned oats, quick oats work too, though the texture may be slightly softer.

Step 1: Making the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of flour, a quarter cup each of granulated and brown sugar, and half a cup of melted butter. Add a pinch of salt, then mix it all up until you get a crumbly texture. Press this into a lined 8x8 baking pan, and bake it for about 12-15 minutes at 350°F, until it's golden. This crust will give our bars a delicious, buttery base.

Flour, granulated and brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

Take 3 to 4 medium apples, peel and dice them. I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for that balance of tart and sweet.

 Add two tablespoons of sugar, a teaspoon of cinnamon, a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg, and a hint of ground cloves. 

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and two tablespoons of flour to help thicken it up. Stir until the apples are fully coated.

Preparing the apple filling with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ground cloves. Also add vanilla extract and two tablespoons of flour.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

For the topping, we’re going with an oat crumble! 

In another bowl, mix half a cup of oats, half a cup of flour, a quarter cup each of brown sugar and granulated sugar, and a little cinnamon for extra warmth. 

Then, add in a quarter cup of cold, cubed butter, and use a fork to mix until it gets that nice, crumbly texture."

A large bowl of oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Now its Time to put it all together! 

Take your crust and spread the apple filling evenly over it. 

Then sprinkle the crisp topping on top of the apples. 

Pop it back in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

The apple filling is placed in the crust and sprinkled with crisp topping.

Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel & Serve

Once it’s out of the oven and cooled a bit, drizzle caramel sauce all over the top for that sweet, gooey finish. 

And there you have it—Caramel Apple Crisp Bars! 

You can enjoy them as is or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

One apple crisp bar drizzled with caramel, and another topped with ice cream and drizzled with caramel.

Drink Pairing

• Hot Apple Cider: Classic spiced apple cider complements the apple and cinnamon flavors, creating a warm, cozy pairing.

• Chai Tea Latte: The warming spices in chai, like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, make it a perfect match for apple crisp's autumn flavors.

• Maple Pecan Latte: A sweet and nutty latte with hints of maple and pecan enhances the caramel and oat flavors in the dessert.

• Spiked Apple Toddy: For a cozy night in, try a spiked hot toddy made with apple brandy, honey, and cinnamon.

• Mulled Wine: If you’re looking for an adult option, mulled wine with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves will add a rich, warming touch.

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A cup of apple cider.

These Caramel Apple Crisp Bars are the perfect fall dessert. 

They're warm, cozy, and absolutely delicious! 

If you give this recipe a try, let us know in the comments below.