Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy, sweet flavors of autumn, this Caramel Apple Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled between layers of buttery crumbly crust, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. It’s a delightful balance of tart and sweet with a satisfying texture that just screams comfort food. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store because this Caramel Apple Bars Recipe calls for simple, everyday staples that work together to create a masterpiece. Each component plays a vital role: flour and butter build the buttery crust and crumbly topping, while the apples and spices bring warmth and brightness to every bite.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the crust and crumb toppings, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the apples.
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Enhances richness and gives the bars a subtle molasses flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warming spice perfectly complements the apples and caramel.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to heighten all the flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates the luscious crumbly texture essential for this treat.
• 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith): Their tartness gives these bars a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: For coating the apples and bringing out their natural juices.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds extra depth to the apple filling.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that adds complexity.
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The crowning glory that brings a buttery, gooey finish to the bars.

How to Make Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and make sure to leave an overhang on the sides; this little trick will help you lift the bars out easily once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Crumb Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir everything together until it looks like coarse crumbs. This crumbly texture will be the perfect base and topping for your bars.

Step 3: Form the Crust

Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This will form a sturdy crust that holds all that delicious apple filling and crumb topping together.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until the fruit is evenly coated. This mixture is your fresh, fragrant filling that adds the signature apple flavor to the bars.

Step 5: Layer the Apples and Topping

Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Then sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture on top, covering the apples beautifully to create a crunchy top layer.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it as the top should turn a golden brown while the apples soften to tender perfection beneath.

Step 7: Cool and Add the Finishing Touch

Let the bars cool completely in the pan to set up nicely. When they’ve cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top generously before slicing into squares. This final touch perfectly melds the flavors into one irresistible dessert.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate these bars, consider sprinkling chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream adds a pretty, creamy touch perfect for presentation.

Side Dishes

These bars hold their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of cinnamon-spiced Greek yogurt creates an even more decadent dessert experience. For a lighter option, a simple glass of apple cider complements the fruity, warm flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh apple slices or small jars of caramel sauce for dipping. For parties, stack the bars in pretty layers tied with twine, or serve as bite-sized bars on festive toothpicks for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover caramel apple bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp and the apple filling moist without losing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze individual bars in freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer warm bars, reheat them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Warming helps revive that buttery crust and softens the caramel, making the bars feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples can work well too, offering a sweeter or more floral flavor.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling helps create a smoother texture, but if you prefer more rustic bars with extra fiber and texture, you can leave the skins on—just make sure the apples are washed and diced small.

Can I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?

Definitely, homemade caramel sauce made with simple ingredients like sugar, butter, and cream will add a special touch and freshness that store-bought caramel can’t match.

How long do these bars stay fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, the bars stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature and up to a week if refrigerated.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Bars Recipe is a heartfelt ode to the flavors of fall that never fail to please a crowd or brighten a quiet evening at home. It’s a straightforward recipe that feels special with every bite, ready to become a much-loved treat in your baking arsenal. Do yourself a favor and dive into these bars soon—you’ll be so glad you did!

Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 32 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in these Caramel Apple Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect as a comforting dessert or sweet snack, these bars combine classic autumn flavors into an easy-to-bake treat.

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Ingredients

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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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal of the bars later.
2. Mix the crumb base: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Form the crust: Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer. Reserve the remaining crumbs for the topping.
4. Prepare apple filling: Toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
5. Add crumb topping: Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the apple layer to cover it thoroughly.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully in the pan to set properly before handling.
8. Drizzle caramel: Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the bars for a rich finish.
9. Serve and enjoy: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out and cut into 16 servings. Enjoy the perfect balance of crumbly crust, warm apple filling, and sweet caramel.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast that complements the sweet caramel.
• For a homemade caramel sauce, melt sugar with butter and cream until smooth and thickened.
• To make slicing easier, chill the bars briefly before cutting.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Optional: add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb mixture for added texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American