Caramel Apple Bars are a delicious dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of caramel, all topped with a crumbly layer. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Caramel Apple Bars
Why These Caramel Apple Bars Are the Best
- Gooey Caramel Layer: The caramel filling adds a rich, sweet flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
- Crumble Topping: The oat and brown sugar topping provides a delightful crunch that contrasts with the gooey filling.
- Sweet and Tart Apples: The apples add a natural sweetness and tartness that balance the richness of the caramel.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under an hour.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a fall gathering, or simply craving a delicious dessert, these Caramel Apple Bars are the perfect choice. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy topping, and rich caramel makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps bind the crust and topping.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens the bars and gives them a caramel-like flavor that complements the apple and pecans.
- Flour, salt, baking soda: Provide structure, rise, and balance to the bars, preventing them from being too dense or sweet.
- Rolled oats: Add texture and a slightly nutty flavor, making the bars more hearty.
- Pecans (finely chopped): Provide crunch and a nutty taste that complements the caramel and apples.
For the filling:
- Granny Smith apples: Offer a tart contrast to the sweet caramel, keeping the bars balanced.
- Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the flavor of the apples.
- Soft caramels, unsalted butter: Create the gooey, rich caramel layer that holds everything together.
Tips for Making the Best Caramel Apple Bars
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality apples and butter.
- Layer Evenly: Make sure to spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the bars until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and a firm filling.
Serving Suggestions
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve Caramel Apple Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic and delicious pairing.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- With Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh berries or a slice of orange for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy a bar with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
- With Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- With Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Caramel Apple Bars. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Sweet, gooey, and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Love apples? Be sure to check out these other great apple recipes!
Caramel Apple Bars
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a fall gathering, or simply craving a delicious dessert, these Caramel Apple Bars are the perfect choice. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy topping, and rich caramel makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped
Filling:
- 4 cups granny smith apples 4 apples, cored
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 11 ounces wrapped soft caramels unwrapped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking pan.
- In a mixing machine, blend butter and brown sugar until it's light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix flour, salt, and baking soda separately, then add it slowly to the mixer on low speed.
- Add oats and pecans until just mixed.
- Take out two cups of this mixture and keep it aside.
- Press the rest into the baking pan gently.
- Coat apples with flour and cinnamon then put them on the crust.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramels and butter until smooth.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
- Crumble the reserved oat mixture on top.
- Bake for 45 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
- Let it cool completely before cutting into slices.
Notes
How to Store Caramel Apple Bars:
Serve: Caramel Apple Bars can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To prevent excess moisture, line the container with paper towels. Store: Refrigerate Caramel Apple Pie Bars for about 1 week in a container lined with paper towels. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving to soften the caramel. Freeze: Cut the cooled bars and store them in a sealed container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze Caramel Apple Bars for about 6 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
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