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Caramel apple crisp bar with apple layers, crumble topping, and homemade caramel on a plate

Caramel Apple Crisp Bars with Homemade Caramel and Apples

Caramel apple crisp bars combine tender apple layers, creamy homemade caramel, and a buttery crumb topping for a comforting dessert that is perfect for gatherings or anytime you want a sliceable apple treat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 3/4 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups flour
Apples
  • 4 small apples
Caramel
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cream or half and half
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Mix in the cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and flour until a crumbly mixture forms.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of the crumb mixture. Press the remaining mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13 baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
Caramel and Apple Preparation
  1. Quarter the apples, remove the cores and seeds, and slice the apple pieces very thinly using a mandoline or a knife.
  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add both sugars and stir until combined. When the mixture is just about to begin bubbling, add the cream and stir until a smooth caramel sauce forms that coats the back of a spoon.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Arrange the thin apple slices evenly over the baked crust. Pour the caramel sauce over the apples and scatter the reserved crumb mixture on top. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added sparkle and crunch.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove the bars from the oven, lift them from the pan using the parchment edges, and cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

When measuring the flour, the scoop method may give a different amount than spoon-measuring. If you usually measure more precisely, you may need a little more flour to achieve the right texture. Check that the dough forms crumbles before continuing.