These Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a delightful twist on the classic apple pie squares, featuring a buttery crust, a luscious caramel apple filling, and a crumbly topping.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
Greasing the pan ensures the bars won't stick and are easier to remove.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crust. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Using cold butter helps create a flaky crust.
Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Pressing firmly ensures the crust holds together after baking.
In a skillet, cook the apples with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice until tender. Stir in the cornstarch to thicken.
Cooking the apples beforehand ensures they are perfectly tender in the bars.
Spread the apple filling evenly over the baked crust.
Spread evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Combine the topping ingredients in a bowl and sprinkle over the apple filling.
Crumble the topping with your hands for a rustic look.
Bake the assembled bars for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Check for a golden color to ensure the topping is perfectly baked.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
Cooling completely ensures clean cuts and better flavor.
