Step 1

Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat to melt the sugar.

Step 2

Continue cooking and swirling sugar until it turns amber in color.

Step 3

Whisk in sea salt and heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up violently briefly.

Step 4

Continue whisking until sauce is smooth.

Step 5

Stir in butter and vanilla. Set aside.

Step 6

Combine all ingredients together using a stand mixer. The mixture will be crumbly but stay together when squeezed. Set aside.

Step 7

Prepare apples and toss in lemon juice.

Step 8

Cook apples in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat in butter to draw out moisture.

Step 9

Sprinkle with salt to draw out all the moisture possible.

Step 10

Drain apples and place back into skillet. This process should take about 5-7 minutes of cooking.

Step 11

Pour 3/4 of prepared caramel sauce into the apples and stir gently.

Step 12

Top with the crumble topping.

Step 13

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes and serve with remaining caramel sauce.