Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the sliced apples, brown sugar, caramel sauce, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to coat. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
- Make the crumble topping: In another bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the pecans or walnuts, if using.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. This allows the bars to set properly.
- Cut into bars and serve. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
For a richer caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce. You can also substitute other types of apples, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best during baking. Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.