Introduction

Oh, the smell of fall! It always brings me back to cozy kitchens, crisp air, and the irresistible aroma of baked apples and caramel. And speaking of irresistible, have you ever wanted a dessert that tastes like pure autumn magic but is ridiculously simple to whip up? Well, get ready, because these Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. They’re like a hug in bar form, perfect for sharing (or not!) and they come together faster than you can say “pumpkin spice.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together, perfect for those last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Easy: We’re talking minimal fuss and maximum flavor. If you can stir and press, you can make these!
Giftable: Pack them up in a pretty tin, and you’ve got a homemade gift that’s guaranteed to be a hit.
Crowd-pleasing: From kids to grandparents, everyone goes crazy for this delightful combination of sweet, tart, and crumbly goodness.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, friends! Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy bars:

1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix: This is our secret shortcut to a perfect crumbly topping and base. No need to overthink it!
2 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats: These add a lovely texture and wholesome goodness to our crumble.
3/4 cup butter, melted: The binder that brings our crumble together and makes it oh-so-rich.
1 (20 ounce) can apple pie filling: The heart of our bar! This gives us that delicious, sweet, and slightly tart apple flavor without all the chopping.
30 Kraft caramel squares: The stars of the show! These melt into a wonderfully gooey caramel layer that’s pure heaven.
1 tablespoon milk: Just a splash to help our caramels melt into a smooth, drizzly sauce.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and create some magic!

Preheat your oven: Get your oven all warm and cozy by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes up beautifully.
Mix the dry crumble: In a big bowl, dump in your yellow cake mix and the quick-cooking oats. Give them a quick whisk to combine.
Add the butter: Now, pour in that lovely melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to mix it all together until it looks like coarse crumbs. This is your crumble mixture!
Create the base: Take about half of your crumble mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to get a nice, even layer.
Apple layer, coming up! Spread the entire can of apple pie filling right over that crumbly base. Try to get it as even as you can.
Melt the caramels: Pop those caramel squares and the tablespoon of milk into a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds. You want it to be smooth and melty, not burnt! Be patient here.
Drizzle the deliciousness: Take that glorious melted caramel and drizzle it all over the apple pie filling. Get it into all those nooks and crannies!
Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the caramel layer. This creates that wonderful crunchy topping.
Bake to golden perfection: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for the topping to be golden brown and the apple filling to be nicely bubbly around the edges.
Patience is a virtue! This is the hardest part, but you absolutely MUST let the bars cool completely before cutting. I know, I know! But trust me, it makes them so much easier to slice and prevents them from falling apart.

Substitutions & Additions

Want to put your own spin on these beauties? Here are a few ideas:

Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry crumble mixture for an extra warm, fall flavor.
Nutty goodness: Toss in about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble mixture for a delightful crunch.
Different fruit: While apple is classic, you could try this with cherry or peach pie filling for a fruity twist.
Fancy caramel: If you have a good quality caramel sauce on hand, you can skip the melting process and drizzle that directly over the apples.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make your baking even smoother:

Don’t overmix the crumble: You want it to be crumbly, not a paste! Just mix until it’s combined.
Press firmly: Make sure you press that bottom layer of crumble firmly into the pan. This helps it hold together.
Cooling is key: I can’t stress this enough – let them cool COMPLETELY. This is the biggest tip for clean cuts.
Prep ahead: You can make the crumble mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

How to Store It

Once your bars are completely cool and cut, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s particularly warm where you are, or if you want them to last a bit longer, they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture!

FAQs

Can I use regular oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Yes, you can! However, regular rolled oats might make the crumble a bit chewier and may require a slightly longer baking time for the topping to get golden and crispy. Quick-cooking oats give you that perfect texture quickly.

Why are my caramel squares not melting smoothly?

Make sure you’re stirring them every 30 seconds and not overheating them. If they seem too thick, add another tiny splash of milk. Sometimes, different brands of caramels can melt differently.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Once cooled and cut, wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature overnight.

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

These Caramel Apple Crumble Bars are a delicious and easy autumn dessert. They feature a crumbly base and topping made from yellow cake mix and oats, filled with sweet apple pie filling and gooey melted caramel.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Servings 12 bars

Equipment

9x13 inch baking pan
Large bowl
Small microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients

Crumble Mixture

1 package (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
2.5 cups quick-cooking oats
0.75 cup butter, melted

Filling

1 (20 ounce) can apple pie filling

Caramel Layer

30 Kraft caramel squares
1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and quick-cooking oats.
1 package (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork or fingers until coarse crumbs form.
1 package (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
Press about half of the crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Spread the apple pie filling evenly over the crumbly base.
1 package (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel squares and milk. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until smooth and melted.
1 package (15.25 ounce) yellow cake mix
Drizzle the melted caramel over the apple pie filling.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the caramel layer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting.

Notes

Store cooled and cut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen for 2-3 months.