Spiced Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel Drizzle
Recipe Introduction: Spiced Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel Drizzle
Fancy a bit of fall baking recipes that'll knock your socks off? These Spiced Apple Crumble Bars are where it's at! Think warm spices, tender apples, and a salty sweet caramel kiss.
Honestly, it's autumn in bar form.
Quick Hook
Remember those apple cinnamon fall recipes nan used to make? This is like that, but leveled up! These Spiced Apple Crumble Bars deliver that homey comfort with a salty caramel twist.
Brief Overview
The apple dessert recipes we all know and love get a modern upgrade here. These bars are inspired by the classic apple crumble , but way easier to share.
It is a medium difficulty recipe that takes about 2 hours to make, including chilling time. This recipe yields 16 bars.
Main Benefits
This recipe is special. The best part? It is packed with fiber from the apples. Easy fall dessert bars are perfect for a bake sale or a cosy night in, and these bars bring all the autumn feels.
Ready to get your bake on? Let’s dive into the ingredients you'll need for these amazing salted caramel apple bars . Get ready for some serious autumn apple baking !
Right then, let's talk ingredients for these Spiced Apple Crumble Bars . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too fancy. We're aiming for that perfect autumn apple baking vibe, you know?
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients for Spiced Apple Crumble Bars
Okay, so for the crust, you'll need 1 ½ cups (192g) of plain flour. Just regular all-purpose stuff will do.
A good quality butter makes the world of difference. We are talking about ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks or 170g ) unsalted butter, cold .
Honestly, it has to be proper cold! Don't skip on that bit. Then, we got ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt.
For the wet ingredients, you'll want 1 large egg yolk and 2 tablespoons ice water. For the spiced apple filling, grab 4 medium apples .
I love using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp to get that perfect sweet tart balance. I swear it works like magic! You will also require 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
Don't forget the spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. And a squeeze of lemon juice.
1 tablespoon of lemon juice to be precise. Crumble time! This is gonna need ½ cup (64g) all-purpose flour, ¼ cup (50g) packed light brown sugar and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
The grand finale: ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, cold again. For that salted caramel apple bars drizzle, you’ll want ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt.
Good sea salt is an investment, not a luxury! I find that a good quality butter for the crust and caramel really makes these bars sing.
Go for something you trust, that smells nice and creamy.
Seasoning Notes for your Fall Dessert Recipes
Cinnamon is your main player here, but don't underestimate the nutmeg and cloves! They add that depth.
If you're missing something, try apple pie spice. It's a premixed blend of all the autumn flavors. You know? Vanilla extract in the filling? A tiny splash will do. Enhances things!
Equipment Needed for your Autumn Apple Baking
A 9x13 inch baking tin is a must, and some parchment paper. I swear by it for easy removal.
A food processor makes quick work of the crust, but you can also just use your hands. Get stuck in! We got medium and small saucepans, for the filling and the caramel respectively.
Oh my gosh, measuring cups and spoons are obviously a necessity. Alternatives? A rolling pin can be replaced with a wine bottle, and if you don't have a food processor, just use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut in the butter.
It’s all good. Let’s get these amazing fall baking recipes on the go, shall we?
Cooking Method: Baking the Best Spiced Apple Crumble Bars
Right then, fancy a go at baking something proper delicious? Let's talk about making Spiced Apple Crumble Bars , with a cheeky drizzle of salted caramel.
Honestly, these are perfect for fall baking recipes , and everyone will be asking for your secret! It's a medium level bake, so grab your pinny and let's get cracking.
Prep Steps: Setting Yourself Up for Success
First things first, mise en place is key. Get all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. It saves a right palaver later, trust me.
For these apple dessert recipes , get your apples peeled, cored, and diced I like a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Keeps it interesting, you know? And make sure that butter is cold, cold, cold! This is so important for that crumbly crust.
For extra safety, especially when melting sugar for the caramel, have a bowl of ice water nearby in case of burns.
step-by-step: From Prep to Perfection
These steps will get you delicious Spiced Apple Crumble Bars .
- Make the crust by combining dry ingredients and cutting in the cold butter. Mix in the egg yolk and water. Press into a lined 9x13 baking pan and chill for 30 minutes.
- Pre-bake the crust at 350° F ( 175° C) for 15 minutes.
- Cook the apple filling on medium heat until tender, stirring in lemon juice.
- Combine the crumble topping ingredients, using cold butter.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the filling and top with crumble. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes .
- While the bars are baking, melt sugar for the salted caramel until amber, then stir in butter, cream, and salt.
- Cool completely before drizzling the caramel and cutting into bars.
Pro Tips: Little Tricks for the Win
Want to take your apple crumble bar recipe to the next level? Make sure to chill that crust properly it stops it from shrinking in the oven.
And for a truly amazing autumn apple baking experience, don't skimp on the spices! A pinch of cloves or allspice adds a real depth of flavor.
Also, a common mistake is overbaking the crust. You want it lightly golden , not rock hard. If you fancy making the dough ahead, you can wrap it tightly and chill it for up to 2 days , or freeze it for a month.
A great time saver when preparing your fall dessert recipes .
Honestly, these easy fall dessert bars are perfect for impressing your mates, or just treating yourself. So go on, give them a go! Enjoy the process.
Alright, so you've got your Spiced Apple Crumble Bars with Salted Caramel Drizzle. Let's talk about the nitty gritty! These fall baking recipes are calling your name and are easier than you might think.
Recipe Notes
Let's dive into some extra bits! A few handy tips to make your apple crumble bar recipe experience even better.
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!
Honestly, presentation is key. You know? Slap a bar on a plate. Dust with a bit of icing sugar. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is perfect.
These easy fall dessert bars pair well with a warm cup of tea or a spiced cider. A dollop of whipped cream never hurts either.
Serve alongside with a lovely cup of Earl Grey.
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!
Right, so you've baked these Spiced Apple Crumble Bars . Now you're wondering how to store them. If you have any left, keep them in the fridge! They'll last for about 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Want to freeze them? Go for it! Wrap individual bars tightly in cling film. Then pop them in a freezer bag.
They'll be good for up to 2 months. Just thaw them out before scoffing, and you will have a wonderful Autumn Apple Baking experience.
To reheat, you can use the microwave. Also, the oven does the trick!
Variations: Mix It Up a Bit!
Fancy a twist? Sub pears for the apples. Boom! Pear crumble bars. To make it vegan, use a vegan butter substitute.
For those needing gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. Try adding chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
You know, you can find inspiration for apple cinnamon fall recipes on the web.
Nutrition Basics: Know What You're Eating!
Each bar is about 350 calories. Not exactly a salad, eh? Each bar has about 3g of protein, 20g of fat, and 40g of carbohydrates. They're a treat, enjoy them as such!
But hey, apples have fibre! That's got to count for something, right? So when you are looking for a fall dessert recipes , remember: It's all about balance, isn't it?
These Salted Caramel Apple Bars are more than just a dessert; they're a hug in bar form! Baking these apple cinnamon crumble bars is a super fun, so get in the kitchen and start baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these apple crumble bars ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! In fact, these spiced apple crumble bars are perfect for making ahead. Once baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
Just hold off on the salted caramel drizzle until just before serving, or it might get a little sticky. Think of it like batch baking scones for the week, only much more indulgent!
My crumble topping always comes out dry. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded dry crumble! The key is cold butter. Make sure your butter is properly chilled and cut into small cubes. When mixing, you want to aim for a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs. If it's still too dry, add a tablespoon of ice water at a time until it just starts to clump together. Don't overmix!
Like making pastry, overmixing warms the butter and leads to a less tender result.
I'm trying to cut back on sugar. Can I reduce the sugar in these fall baking recipes?
You can definitely tweak the sugar levels. For the crust and crumble, you can reduce the sugar by about 25% without significantly affecting the texture. For the apple filling, consider using naturally sweeter apple varieties like Honeycrisp, and you might be able to reduce the sugar a bit there too.
However, the salted caramel drizzle relies on sugar for its structure and flavour, so reducing it too much may compromise the final result. In that case, consider using a sugar substitute.
Can I freeze these Apple Crumble Bars? I want to save some for a rainy day!
Good thinking! Yes, you can freeze them. Cut the cooled bars into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. They should keep well for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours. Avoid freezing with the salted caramel drizzle already on them, or add once defrosted.
I don't have lemon juice. Is there anything else I can use in the apple filling?
The lemon juice brightens the flavor of the apple filling and prevents the apples from browning. If you don't have any, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple cider vinegar or even orange juice.
In a pinch, you can even leave it out, but just be aware that the apple filling may not have the same zing, and the apples might darken slightly as they cook. It is important to consider all options when looking for fall baking recipes!
I don’t have all the spices called for. Can I still make these?
Of course! The spices are delicious but not essential. If you don’t have nutmeg or cloves, you can simply increase the amount of cinnamon used. Or, use around 1 1/2 teaspoons of Apple Pie spice blend instead of the individual spices. It’s a handy shortcut that still delivers a lovely warm, autumnal flavour.
Baking should be fun and adaptable, not rigid!
Spiced Apple Crumble Bars With Salted Caramel Dr
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
