Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars with Pecan Streusel and Salted Caramel Drizzle

Looking for an easy dessert recipe that combines the flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery crumble, and luscious salted caramel? These Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars with Pecan Streusel and Salted Caramel Drizzle are the perfect treat for any occasion.

Prep Time: Estimated 30 minutes
Cook Time: Estimated 10 minutes
Chill Time: Estimated 2 hours
Total Time: Estimated 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Cuisine: Dessert
Author: Scott Stokes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 4 cups peeled and chopped apples
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of the crumble mixture for the streusel topping.
4. Press the remaining crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
5. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon until well coated. Spread the apple mixture over the crust.
6. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the apples.
7. Take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the apple and pecan layer to create the streusel topping.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. Once cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the bars.
11. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy these delicious Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars with Pecan Streusel and Salted Caramel Drizzle!

Note: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Looking for more easy dessert recipes? Check out our baking pans set to help you create delicious treats like these Cinnamon Apple Crumble Bars.

Dry Rubs

For a tangy and slightly sweet dry rub, you can experiment with adding ingredients like brown sugar, mustard powder, and dried citrus zest. These flavors complement various meats, from chicken to pork to beef, and create a delicious caramelized crust when cooked over high heat.

Wet Rubs

To create an herbed butter wet rub, blend softened butter with finely chopped herbs like tarragon, chives, and parsley, along with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice. This flavorful wet rub can be slathered onto chicken, fish, or steak before grilling, resulting in a juicy and herb-infused taste.

Spice Blends

Adobo seasoning is a popular blend in Latin American cuisine, especially in Mexican and Filipino dishes. It combines spices like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Adobo seasoning adds a savory and tangy flavor to meats, poultry, or even grilled vegetables.

Infused Oils

For an exotic twist, create a curry-infused oil by combining curry powder with olive oil. Let the flavors meld for a few days before using. This fragrant oil can be drizzled over rice dishes, roasted vegetables, or used as a flavor base for curries and stews.

Edible Flowers

One example of using edible flowers is to make a floral-infused syrup. Combine sugar, water, and edible flowers like lavender or rose petals in a saucepan, heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool and strain out the flowers. The resulting syrup can be used to flavor beverages, desserts, or even drizzled over pancakes or waffles for a touch of floral sweetness.

Marinades

Marinades are a fantastic way to infuse your meats with flavor and tenderize them at the same time. By combining ingredients like citrus juices, vinegar, herbs, and spices, you can create a delicious marinade that will enhance the taste and texture of your meats. If you're looking for high-quality marinade injectors to ensure even distribution of flavor, check out these Home and Gift Ideas.

For a bold and spicy kick, try a chili lime marinade. Combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Marinate your choice of protein for at least 30 minutes before grilling or roasting. The result is a tangy and zesty flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp.

If you prefer a sweet and savory marinade, consider a teriyaki marinade. Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of pineapple juice. Marinate your meats for a few hours to overnight, and then cook them to perfection. The teriyaki marinade adds a delicious umami flavor to chicken, beef, or salmon.

For a Mediterranean-inspired marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a touch of honey. Marinate your choice of protein for a few hours, and then grill or sauté it. The Mediterranean marinade infuses the meat with a fresh and herbaceous flavor that pairs well with lamb, pork, or vegetables.

Dry Mixes

Dry mixes are convenient and versatile flavor enhancers that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are typically made by combining dried herbs, spices, and other seasonings. Dry mixes are a great way to add quick and easy flavor to meats, vegetables, dips, and more. If you're in need of high-quality spice grinders to freshly grind your spices for dry mixes, take a look at these Home and Gift Ideas.

One popular dry mix is taco seasoning. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use this mix to season ground beef or chicken for flavorful tacos, nachos, or quesadillas.

Another versatile dry mix is Italian seasoning. Mix dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried parsley, and garlic powder. This blend is perfect for seasoning pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or homemade pizzas.

For a spicy kick, try a Cajun seasoning mix. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Use this mix to add flavor to shrimp, chicken, or roasted potatoes. It's also great for making Cajun-inspired dishes like jambalaya or gumbo.

Sauces

Sauces are the perfect accompaniment to many dishes, adding richness and flavor. From tangy barbecue sauce to creamy aioli, there's a sauce to suit every taste. Making your own sauces at home allows you to customize the flavors and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you're in need of high-quality saucepans for making delicious homemade sauces, check out these Home and Gift Ideas.

One classic sauce is hollandaise sauce. This rich and creamy sauce is made with egg yolks, melted butter, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It's traditionally served with eggs Benedict or as a topping for steamed asparagus.

If you're a fan of spicy flavors, try making a homemade sriracha sauce. Blend together red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and salt. This fiery sauce adds a kick to dishes like stir-fries, tacos, or roasted vegetables.

For a tangy and smoky barbecue sauce, combine ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, and then use it to glaze grilled meats or as a dipping sauce for chicken wings.

Dressings

Dressings are a great way to enhance the flavors of salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Making your own dressings allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. From creamy ranch to tangy vinaigrettes, there's a dressing for every salad. If you're looking for high-quality salad dressing shakers for easy mixing and serving, check out these Home and Gift Ideas.

One popular dressing is balsamic vinaigrette. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this tangy and slightly sweet dressing over mixed greens or use it as a marinade for grilled vegetables.

For a creamy option, make your own Caesar dressing. Blend together mayonnaise, anchovy fillets, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Toss this rich and garlicky dressing with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.

If you're a fan of Asian flavors, try a sesame ginger dressing. Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, honey, and minced garlic. This dressing pairs well with mixed greens, crunchy vegetables, or as a marinade for grilled chicken or shrimp.

Condiments

Condiments are the finishing touch that can take a dish from good to great. From tangy mustard to spicy hot sauce, condiments add flavor and depth to a variety of foods. Making your own condiments allows you to experiment with different flavors and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. If you're in need of high-quality condiment squeeze bottles for easy dispensing, take a look at these Home and Gift Ideas.

One classic condiment is homemade ketchup. Simmer together tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This tangy and slightly sweet ketchup is perfect for dipping fries, burgers, or hot dogs.

If you're a fan of spicy condiments, try making your own hot sauce. Blend together chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, salt, and a touch of sugar. Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer chili peppers. Drizzle this fiery sauce over tacos, eggs, or grilled meats.

For a tangy and refreshing condiment, make your own tzatziki sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. This creamy and herby sauce is great for dipping pita bread, spreading on sandwiches, or as a topping for grilled meats.