caramel apple bar recipe

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

I’m so excited to share this amazing caramel apple bar recipe with you all. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

The combination of crunchy apples, gooey caramel, and crunchy oat topping is just irresistible. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. I love that this recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a special weekend brunch, or a holiday gathering.

My kids adore helping me assemble the bars, and they’re always asking for seconds (and thirds!) As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together and how versatile it is.

We’ve made it with a variety of apples, from sweet Gala to tart Granny Smith, and even experimented with different types of nuts and spices. But no matter what combination we try, the end result is always deliciously addictive.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and get ready to become obsessed with the most scrumptious caramel apple bars you’ve ever tasted!

Caramel Apple Bars

Caramel Apple Bars

4.6 from 567 votes

These caramel apple bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of tender spiced apples, and a rich caramel topping. Perfect for fall desserts, they combine the flavors of a caramel apple in an easy bar form.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 16Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Apple Filling

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

For the Caramel Topping

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

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3Cut in 1 cup cold butter using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
4Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13-inch baking pan.
5Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the crust feels firm to the touch.
6Remove from the oven and set aside.
7In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg until evenly coated.
8Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
9Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the filling is bubbling.
10Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
11While the bars cool, make the caramel topping.
12In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup brown sugar, stirring constantly.
13Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
14Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
15Pour the warm caramel evenly over the apple layer, tilting the pan to spread if needed.
16Let the bars cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

🔧Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Pastry blender or fork
Saucepan
Whisk
Spatula
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 180mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

Tips: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to prevent them from turning mushy. For a saltier caramel, add an extra pinch of sea salt on top just before serving.

Watch Video Of How Caramel Apple Bars Works

To store these caramel apple bars, keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days. The caramel will stay soft and the apples will not get mushy.

For reheating, you can warm individual bars in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a 300 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh baked taste and softens the crust.

These bars are always a good idea for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night at home. They travel well and can be made a day ahead, which takes the stress out of hosting.

I have brought them to Thanksgiving dinners and summer barbecues, and they disappear fast. This recipe is a keeper that works for any occasion.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Bars

Q: What type of apples work best in this recipe?

A: You can use any variety of apple you like, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape well when cooked.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?

A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you prefer a quicker option. However, keep in mind that homemade caramel sauce has a richer flavor and texture that’s hard to replicate with store-bought.

Q: How long does it take to assemble the bars?

A: Assembly takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on how quickly you can chop the apples and nuts.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the caramel sauce and apple mixture up to a day in advance. Simply assemble the bars just before serving.

Q: What if I don’t have any oat topping?

A: No problem! You can omit the oat topping altogether or substitute it with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added crunch.

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