Apples, caramel, and matcha meld beneath a buttery crumble, creating a fusion treat for dessert or teatime.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Crust and Crumble
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons culinary grade matcha powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
→ Apple Filling
06 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Caramel Layer
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar
12 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, matcha powder, and sea salt. Incorporate cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
03 - Press approximately two-thirds of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside remaining crumb mixture for the topping.
04 - In a separate bowl, combine apple slices with granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Arrange the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
05 - In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, light brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir until butter is melted and mixture comes to a boil. Simmer while stirring for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the apple filling. Sprinkle the reserved matcha crumb mixture on top.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, until the crumble topping is golden and the caramel layer bubbles at the edges.
08 - Allow bars to cool fully in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift out and slice into 12 portions.
