Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 cups)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Mix well.
4. Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture and stir until combined.
5. Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes.
7. While the crust is baking, mix the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a separate bowl.
8. After removing the crust from the oven, evenly spread the apple mixture over the crust.
9. Pour the caramel sauce over the apple layer, ensuring that it is distributed evenly.
10. Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture evenly over the caramel and apples.
11. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes.
12. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and let them cool completely before slicing.