By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on October 4, 2026
Serves 18
340 cal · 45 min
Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Recipe GLPR8a8cb8e15bc74e
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Average rating: 4.5 (1)
Rich and indulgent bars featuring a buttery oat crumble base and topping, with sweet apples and smooth melted caramel in every bite. These bar cookies are quick to prepare using pantry staples like yellow cake mix and canned pie filling, making them perfect for potlucks and dessert cravings.
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Ingredients
1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
1 package (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
2½ cups quick-cooking oats
¾ cup butter, melted
30 Kraft caramel squares
1 tablespoon milk
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and quick-cooking oats, stirring until well blended.
Pour the melted butter into the oat and cake mix mixture. Stir until the ingredients are evenly moistened and the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press half of the crumb mixture firmly onto the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
Pour the canned apple pie filling into a bowl. Using a sharp knife, cut the larger apple pieces into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Carefully spread the chopped apple filling in an even layer over the crumb crust.
Place the 30 caramel squares and milk in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high power for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals and stirring until the caramel is completely smooth and melted.
Slowly drizzle the melted caramel over the top of the apple filling layer, using a spoon to spread it into an even coating.
Distribute the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the caramel layer. Gently press down to help the crumbs adhere.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 23 minutes, until the top is very lightly golden brown. Do not overbake.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before cutting into 18 bars. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Comments
This recipe moves fast and costs little—a box of cake mix, oats, butter, and jarred apple pie filling run under $12 total, or about 65 cents per bar. All ingredients stock every Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, and Kroger in Charlotte, with no detours needed. The 45-minute claim holds if you use store-bought filling and caramel bits; the real risk is that caramel can seize or separate if milk temperature fluctuates, so watch the heat carefully. These reheat decently in the microwave but are greasier the next day, so plan to eat most the same night or the morning after.
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