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Perfect Caramel Apple Bars Recipe with Crunchy Toppings

caramel apple bars - featured image

These caramel apple bars combine gooey caramel, tender apples, and a buttery, crunchy topping for the perfect autumn dessert. Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/2 cup (120g) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 3/4 cup (75g) rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt to make the crust. Stir until it forms a soft dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
  3. In another bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and caramel sauce until evenly coated.
  4. In a third bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt to make the topping. Stir until crumbly.
  5. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the oat topping generously over the apples.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
  7. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

[‘Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays firm and doesn’t turn soggy under the filling.’, ‘Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.’, ‘These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.’, ‘If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple bars, autumn dessert, easy dessert recipe, apple crumble bars, fall baking