Description
These Caramel Apple Bars combine a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and gooey caramel for a cozy and indulgent fall treat. Perfect for gatherings or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups diced apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, warmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until dissolved, then stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it turns a deep amber color (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from heat and carefully whisk in warmed cream, butter, and sea salt. Let cool slightly.
- Spread the spiced apples evenly over the baked crust.
- Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and bubbly.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
[‘Use cold butter for a flakier crust.’, ‘Don’t overmix the dough to avoid a dense texture.’, ‘If caramel crystallizes, add a splash of water and reheat gently.’, ‘Let the bars cool completely before slicing for easier handling.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Caramel Apple Bars, Fall Dessert, Apple Recipe, Easy Dessert, Thanksgiving Treat