Caramel Apple Bars

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Bars are a delightful treat combining tender, spiced apples with a buttery crumb crust and a luscious drizzle of salted caramel. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet, satisfying dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Step 3: Add flour and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
5. Step 5: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the apples. Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Substitute the salted caramel sauce with homemade caramel or dulce de leche for a richer taste.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping for extra texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the caramel apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave or enjoy chilled for a different texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for texture, but if using frozen apples, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the crust soggy.

Can I make the bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the bars in advance. Store them properly and they make a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings or snacks.

Caramel Apple Bars

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 150 reviews

Delight in these irresistible Caramel Apple Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust layered with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with luscious salted caramel sauce. Perfect as a cozy fall dessert or anytime treat, these bars combine sweet and tart flavors with a satisfying texture.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Crust and Topping

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

• 3 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 3 medium)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. This mixture forms the base for your crumb crust and topping.
3. Add Flour and Form Crumb: Stir in the all-purpose flour until the mixture becomes crumbly. Reserve about one-third of this crumb mixture for the topping and press the remaining two-thirds evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and thinly sliced apples with ground cinnamon and nutmeg to evenly coat and infuse them with warm spice flavors.
5. Assemble Bars: Spread the spiced apple mixture over the crust layer in the baking pan. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the apples, then crumble the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top as a final layer.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares to ensure clean slices and optimal flavor.

Notes

• Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor contrast.
• For a deeper caramel flavor, warm the salted caramel sauce slightly before drizzling.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• To make slicing easier, chill the bars briefly before cutting.
• Optionally sprinkle coarse sea salt lightly over the caramel drizzle for an extra salted caramel kick.

Keywords: caramel apple bars, apple dessert, caramel dessert, fall dessert, apple bars, easy dessert, cinnamon apple bars