Get ready to indulge in a decadent and irresistible dessert with these Addictive Caramel Apple Crisp Bars. Bursting with the flavors of caramel, tart apples, and buttery oats, these bars are the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy.
Whether you’re craving a cozy fall treat or looking for a delicious dessert to impress your friends and family, these bars are sure to hit the spot.
So, let’s dive in and discover how to make these addictive caramel apple crisp bars in just a few simple steps.
Why I’m Sharing This Caramel Apple Crisp Bars Recipe
As a lover of all things sweet and comforting, I’m always on the lookout for delicious dessert recipes that are easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy my cravings.
That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe for Addicting Caramel Apple Crisp Bars with you. Not only are they incredibly delicious and delicious, but they’re also a cinch to make with just a few basic ingredients.
Whether you’re baking up a batch for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a tasty dessert, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household.
What Makes these Bars Special?
What sets these Caramel Apple Crisp Bars apart from other dessert bars? It’s all about the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
From the gooey caramel and tender apples to the buttery oat crumble topping, each bite is a symphony of sweet and crunchy goodness. With a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg adding warmth and depth to the flavor profile, these bars are the epitome of comfort food perfection.
Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, these bars are guaranteed to leave you craving more.
Ingredients Needed
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
Alternative Ingredients/Variations
Here are some ingredients you can use in place of the ones above:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Old-fashioned oats | Quick oats |
| Light brown sugar | Dark brown sugar |
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter |
| Caramel sauce | Dulce de leche |
Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumble
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Spread the apple filling over the crust in an even layer, then drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the apples and caramel, pressing down gently to adhere.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Expert Tips
- For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the filling.
- If you prefer a thicker caramel layer, use additional caramel sauce or drizzle extra over the bars after baking.
- These bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
Utensils/What You Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Spatula
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves time in the kitchen. Just be sure to use a high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor.
How should I store leftover bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars for longer storage – simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
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You will find the recipe in full below 👇👇👇.
Caramel Apple Crisp Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust and Crumble:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, toss the sliced apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Spread the apple filling over the crust in an even layer, then drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top of the apples and caramel, pressing down gently to adhere.
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the filling.
- If you prefer a thicker caramel layer, use additional caramel sauce or drizzle extra over the bars after baking.
- These bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
- Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
