Name: Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 125g unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups (300g) plain/all purpose flour; 1/2 cup (100g) white sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; Pinch of salt; 1 egg; 1/3 cup (30g) rolled oats; 3 – 4 large Granny Smith apples, cut into 0.7cm (1/3″) dice (~4 cups); 1/4 cup (35g) plain flour (all purpose flour); 1/4 cup (50g) white sugar; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; Salted caramel sauce; Ice cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 47 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that captures the cozy warmth of autumn with a glorious twist, this Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple cubes nestled on a buttery, crumbly base, crowned with a golden oat crumble, then generously drizzled with luscious salted caramel and crowned with a scoop of melting ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of crisp, sweet, and creamy, all in easy-to-handle bars that will have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with small, evenly diced pieces of light yellow fruit, likely apples, mixed with some grainy texture, possibly sugar or spices. A wooden spoon is placed inside the bowl, leaning on the right side, partially covered by the fruit mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. The scene looks bright and clean, focusing on the fresh, simple fruit mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, familiar, and vital for hitting the right balance of textures and flavors. Each one has its role, from the crispy, buttery crust to the soft, zingy apples and rich, velvety toppings.

Unsalted butter (125g / 1 stick, melted): Provides a rich, tender base and helps bind everything together perfectly.
All-purpose flour (2 cups for base, plus 1/4 cup for filling): Creates the sturdy yet soft foundation and thickens the apple filling just right.
White sugar (1/2 cup for base, plus 1/4 cup for filling): Sweetens both the crust and the juicy apple layer for balanced sweetness.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a slight lift to the crumbly base, keeping it from being too dense.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and offsets the sweetness.
Egg (1): Binds the base ingredients together for that perfect crumble texture.
Rolled oats (1/3 cup): Adds a lovely chewy crunch to the crumble topping.
Granny Smith apples (3–4 large, diced): Their tartness provides a bright, fresh contrast to the sweet toppings.
Cinnamon (1/2 tsp) and nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Warm spices that complement the apples beautifully.
Salted caramel sauce: The indulgent finishing touch that takes these bars over the moon with salty-sweet richness.
Ice cream: A classic cool and creamy partner that melts into the warm crumble blissfully.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Greasing your 20cm (8-inch) square pan and lining it with parchment paper that has a generous overhang is key—it ensures easy removal of your bars after baking without any fuss or breakage.

Step 2: Mix the Base

Combine melted butter, 2 cups of flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl, mixing until you no longer see any white flour. Add the egg and stir everything together into a dough. This mixture should feel slightly crumbly yet hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until it turns slightly golden—this partial bake ensures the crust will stay crisp under the moist filling. After baking, let it cool for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the base is baking, toss diced Granny Smith apples with 1/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture is your fragrant, flavorful filling that brings a fantastic tartness balanced by warming spices.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

Take the reserved one-third of your dough and mix in the rolled oats. Use your fingers or a wooden spoon to crumble the oats into the dough until evenly combined. This top layer will become golden, crisp, and irresistibly textured after baking.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spread the apple filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Then sprinkle and crumble the oat topping all over the apples, covering them generously. Pop the whole thing back into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Once it’s a deep golden brown on top, it’s ready to come out.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out with the parchment paper. This cooling step helps everything set and makes cutting easier. Slice into squares, and you’re almost ready to indulge!

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

A square piece of apple crumble bar sits on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a light golden crust that looks soft but firm. The middle layer is filled with cooked apple chunks covered in sticky caramel sauce, giving a warm amber color and shiny texture. The top layer is a crumbly oat topping with a golden-brown rough texture. On top of the crumble bar, there is a round scoop of white vanilla ice cream, smooth and creamy. Thick caramel sauce is being poured over the ice cream, slowly dripping down the sides. Green apple slices rest beside the crumble on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A scoop of good quality vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over a warm bar, creating an addictive creamy contrast. Drizzle salted caramel sauce generously over the top to bring that addictive salty-sweet dimension that pulls all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

These bars are satisfying enough on their own but serve beautifully alongside a simple cup of black coffee or a warm spiced tea. If you want to keep things festive, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkling of toasted nuts adds texture and indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, present the bars on a wooden board with various toppings on the side so guests can customize their own treats. Alternatively, cut the bars into small, bite-sized squares for a charming finger food display that’s perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your apple crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to keep the topping crisp and the filling fresh.

Freezing

Apple crumble bars freeze wonderfully, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Wrap cut bars individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat bars gently in a warm oven (around 160°C / 320°F) for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked crispness. Serve warm with fresh ice cream and caramel for that just-baked feeling every time.

FAQs

Can I use another type of apple?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firm texture, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a sweeter, juicier filling. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, you can make these crumble bars gluten-free. Just be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.

Can I prepare the bars without oats in the topping?

While oats add a lovely crunch and chewiness, you can skip them if you’re not a big fan. Your topping will still be delicious and crumbly, just a bit less textured.

How do I make homemade salted caramel sauce?

Homemade salted caramel is simple: melt sugar slowly until golden, then mix in butter and cream, finishing with a pinch of sea salt. It’s worth making fresh, but store-bought versions work well too if you’re in a hurry!

Can these bars be made vegan?

With a few swaps like vegan butter and an egg substitute such as flax egg, you can easily make these bars vegan-friendly. Be sure your ice cream and caramel sauce are vegan as well to keep everything consistent.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting and joyful about these Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel and Ice Cream Recipe. They bring together simplicity and indulgence in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re sharing with family, impressing guests, or treating yourself after a long day, these bars will quickly become a requested favorite. Give it a go—you won’t regret baking up this slice of sweet, salty, and creamy heaven!