Description
These delightful Caramel Apple Bars combine a buttery crumb crust with a spiced apple filling, all finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for autumn treats or dessert any time of year, these bars offer a balance of sweet, tart, and warm spices in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Apple Filling
- 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the bars evenly.
- Prepare the pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make the crumb mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture turns into coarse crumbs, evenly moist but crumbly.
- Create the crust: Press half of the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming a solid base layer for the bars.
- Prepare the apple filling: Toss the peeled, cored, and diced apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well coated. Spread this spiced apple mixture evenly over the pressed crumb crust.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining half of the crumb mixture evenly over the apples, covering the filling to create a crumbly top layer.
- Bake the bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
- Cool completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step helps the bars set for cleaner slicing.
- Drizzle the caramel: Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the bars for a sweet, sticky finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, slice into 16 squares, and serve these delicious Caramel Apple Bars to your guests.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith which hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
- If desired, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to make it easier to pour.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- To make homemade caramel sauce, combine butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt and simmer until thickened.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
