Indulge in the comforting flavors of autumn with these irresistible Caramel Apple Bars. A buttery, crumbly crust topped with cinnamon-spiced apples and a rich caramel drizzle, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating fall or just craving a sweet, gooey treat, these caramel apple bars will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for more.
Ingredients:
For the Crust and Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Caramel Drizzle:
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Make the Crust and Topping:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press half of this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create the crust. Reserve the remaining crumbs for the topping.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust.
Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly over the apples, covering the filling.
Bake:
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. The smell of cinnamon and apples will fill your kitchen as it bakes!
Cool and Drizzle Caramel:
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the bars before slicing them into squares.
Serve:
Slice the cooled bars into squares and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures. These caramel apple bars are perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or as an after-dinner treat.
Serving Tips:
Serve Warm: For an extra comforting treat, serve the caramel apple bars slightly warm. You can microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds to melt the caramel drizzle and enhance the flavor.
Pair with Ice Cream: These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
Coffee or Cider Pairing: Serve with a warm drink, like a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or apple cider, for the ultimate fall experience.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store leftover caramel apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their freshness.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, allow them to come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave.
Freezing: These bars freeze well for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for a quick reheat.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe due to their tartness, you can also use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste of the bars will change slightly depending on the apples you choose.
Can I make caramel apple bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these bars a day or two ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them for longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience. If you want a richer flavor, you can make your own homemade caramel sauce, which will add a more decadent touch to the bars.
How do I keep the caramel drizzle from being too runny?
If you find the caramel sauce too runny, you can thicken it by refrigerating the sauce for a bit before drizzling or using a thicker homemade caramel sauce. Additionally, ensure the bars have cooled completely before adding the caramel drizzle to help it set better.
Conclusion:
These Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful dessert that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. With their comforting flavors and gooey caramel topping, they’ll quickly become a favorite treat in your recipe collection. Enjoy them on a crisp fall day with a cup of hot cider, or anytime you need a sweet indulgence!
📖 Recipe:
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Caramel Apple Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Caramel Apple Bars, featuring a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crust, tender apples, and a gooey caramel drizzle. This easy recipe is perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, comforting treat. Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and spice with every bite of these delicious apple dessert bars.
Ingredients
For the Crust and Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Caramel Drizzle:
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Set aside the other half for the topping.
- Prepare the apple filling by tossing diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over the crust.
- Top with the remaining crumb mixture, sprinkling it over the apples.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and apples are tender.
- Cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel and brown sugar. However, feel free to use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
Caramel Options: Store-bought caramel sauce works well, but homemade caramel can elevate the taste.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months for an easy, make-ahead treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 bars
- Calories: Approx. 280 kcal per bar
