Description
Delicious caramel apple bars featuring a crumbly cinnamon-spiced crust layered with tender, cinnamon-nutmeg spiced apples and topped with a drizzle of smooth caramel sauce. Perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix crust and topping ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Form crust: Press half of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer. Set the remaining crumb mixture aside for the topping.
- Prepare apple filling: Toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
- Assemble bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan, then sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Cool and drizzle caramel: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the bars.
- Serve: Cut into 16 bars, serve, and enjoy the sweet and spiced treat!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
- For a richer caramel flavor, use homemade caramel sauce or high-quality store-bought.
- Ensure bars are fully cooled before drizzling caramel to prevent it from melting too much and soaking into the crust.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars after caramel is set.
