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Caramel apple crisp bars with crumb crust, apple slices, creamy caramel, and crisp topping

Caramel Apple Crisp Bars with a Creamy Caramel Layer

Caramel apple crisp bars are a comforting dessert with a buttery crumb crust, tender apple layer, creamy caramel, and crisp topping. They are perfect for gatherings or whenever you want an easy homemade treat with classic fall-inspired flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Rest Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 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 (see notes)
Apple Layer
  • 4 small apples
Caramel Layer
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cream or half and half
  • 1/4 cup sugar

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat oven to 350°F (177°C). Beat softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Mix in cinnamon, salt, baking soda, and flour until the mixture forms crumbs.
  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.
  3. Quarter the apples, remove the seeds and cores, and slice the pieces very thinly using a mandoline or knife.
Caramel Filling
  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in both sugars, and once the mixture is combined and just beginning to bubble, add the cream or half and half.
  2. Stir the sauce until it becomes creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the baked crust and pour the caramel sauce over the apples.
  2. Scatter the reserved crumb mixture over the top and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment edges, and allow them to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

When measuring the flour, scooping directly from the bag may give a different amount than spoon-measuring. If you usually measure flour more precisely, you may need a little more to achieve the right texture. Check that the dough forms crumbs before proceeding.