caramel apple bars recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
caramel apple bars recipe
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The Best caramel apple bars recipe

I’m so excited to share this caramel apple bars recipe with you all. I’ve been making these for years, and they’re always a hit with my family and friends. The combination of tender apples, gooey caramel, and crunchy oat topping is just perfect.

Plus, they’re super easy to make and are a great way to get some fiber and vitamins into your diet. I like to make them for special occasions like holidays or potlucks, but they’re also perfect for a quick snack or breakfast on-the-go. The best part?

They’re ridiculously easy to customize with your favorite toppings or mix-ins, so feel free to get creative! My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a fun one to make together. We’ll often have a little competition to see who can come up with the most creative topping combination.

It’s a great way to spend quality time together while also teaching them about measurements and cooking techniques. The first time I made these bars was for a church potluck, and they were such a hit that everyone asked for the recipe. Since then, I’ve perfected the recipe and now make them all the time for my family’s gatherings.

They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or as an after-school snack for the kids. My husband loves them too, and he’s always asking me to make them for his work events or parties. ,

Caramel Apple Bars

Caramel Apple Bars

4.9 from 571 votes

These caramel apple bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of spiced apple filling, and a rich caramel topping. They are perfect for fall gatherings and offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Apple Filling

4 cups peeled and diced apples (about 4 medium apples)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Caramel Topping

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar, beating with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3Gradually add 2 cups flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
4Press 2 cups of the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
5Set the remaining dough aside for the topping.
6Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden around the edges.
7While the crust bakes, prepare the apple filling.
8In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated.
9Spread the apple mixture evenly over the hot crust.
10Crumble the reserved dough over the apple layer, covering the apples as evenly as possible.
11Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
12While the bars bake, make the caramel topping.
13In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter, then stir in 1 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup heavy cream.
14Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and let it boil for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
15Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
16Remove the bars from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm caramel evenly over the top.
17Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes, before cutting into squares.
18Serve at room temperature.

🔧Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or pastry cutter
Saucepan
Spatula
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 95mg🌾Total Carbs: 44g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 30g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. The caramel will be very hot, so handle with care. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Caramel Apple Bars Works

These caramel apple bars are always a good idea for any fall gathering or family dinner. They are easy to transport, slice neatly, and please almost everyone.

I usually store them in a covered container at room temperature for a few days, but they rarely last that long in my house. To reheat, just pop a bar in the microwave for 15 seconds or warm it in a low oven.

Serve them plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for a simple, satisfying dessert that feels special without a lot of fuss.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Bars

Q: What type of apples should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Gala.

Q: Can I substitute the oat topping with something else?

Yes, you can use other types of toppings like chopped nuts or even chocolate chips!

Q: How do I prevent the caramel from crystallizing?

To prevent crystallization, make sure to cook the caramel slowly over low heat, stirring constantly.

Q: Can I store these bars at room temperature?

No, it’s best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Q: How long do these bars stay fresh?

The bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored properly.

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