Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie with a convenient bar form that’s perfect for sharing or snacking anytime. These bars feature a buttery crust, tender spiced apples, and a crumbly topping finished with a luscious caramel drizzle.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 medium apples (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Caramel sauce for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: For the crust, in a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, light brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Add 1 1/4 cups flour and mix until well combined.
3. Step 3: Spread the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until the apples are coated evenly.
5. Step 5: For the crumble topping, combine melted butter, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 3/4 cup flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Use a fork to mix until crumbly. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Layer the apple mixture on top of the warm crust, pressing the apples down tightly. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
9. Step 9: Cut into 9 bars and drizzle each with caramel sauce before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
• Try adding chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra texture.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, increase cinnamon or add a pinch of cloves or ginger.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Storage

Store caramel apple pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold. The caramel topping may firm up when chilled but will soften slightly after warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh apples for texture and flavor, but if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing to avoid soggy bars.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Baking the crust separately for 15 minutes before adding the apples helps it set and stay firm, reducing sogginess from the fruit filling.

Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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Delight in these Caramel Apple Pie Bars featuring a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy crumble topping, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these bars combine all the best flavors of apple pie in a convenient, handheld dessert.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: 9 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Crust

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Apple Filling

• 4 medium apples (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch nutmeg

Crumble Topping

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping

• Caramel sauce for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy removal of bars after baking.
2. Make the Crust Batter: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir in the 1 1/4 cups flour until a uniform batter forms.
3. Form the Crust: Evenly spread the crust batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top for an even base layer.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until it sets slightly but hasn’t browned deeply, then remove from the oven.
5. Prepare Apple Filling: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with vanilla, ground cinnamon, light brown sugar, flour, and nutmeg to coat evenly, enhancing flavor and keeping slices soft yet intact.
6. Make the Crumble Topping: In another medium bowl, mix the melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the flour and use a fork to blend until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
7. Assemble the Bars: Layer the apple filling evenly on top of the warm baked crust, pressing the apples gently to pack tight. Sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the apples to cover fully.
8. Bake the Entire Assembly: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the crumble topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly around the edges.
9. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour or overnight for best texture and slicing consistency.
10. Serve with Caramel: Once chilled, cut into 9 bars and drizzle each piece generously with caramel sauce to add gooey sweetness and a luscious finish.

Notes

• Use firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for ideal texture that holds up during baking.
• Make sure the melted butter is cooled before mixing to avoid cooking the sugar prematurely.
• Chilling the bars before slicing helps them hold their shape and prevents crumbling.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling for easier application.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Pie Bars, apple dessert bars, caramel drizzle, apple crumble bars, easy apple dessert