Caramel Apple Bars

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

These Caramel Apple Bars strike the ideal balance between textures and flavors: the soft, cinnamon-spiced apples complement the crisp, buttery base and crumb topping, while the caramel adds richness and indulgence. They’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients, yet impressive enough to serve at holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. Plus, they slice beautifully for serving and storing, making them a go-to for both planned events and spontaneous baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust and Topping:

• all-purpose flour

• granulated sugar

• ground cinnamon

• baking powder

• salt

• unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

• water (if needed)

For the Apple Filling:

• diced apples (about 2–3 medium apples)

• cornstarch

• soft caramels, chopped (or homemade caramel sauce)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Crust and Topping:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
   Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   If the dough is too dry, add water gradually until it holds together when pressed.
   Press about two-thirds of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with cornstarch until coated.
   Evenly spread the apple mixture over the crust.
   Sprinkle the chopped caramels (or drizzle homemade caramel sauce) evenly over the apples.

4. Add the Topping:
   Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the apple-caramel layer to form the topping.

5. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.

6. Cool and Serve:
   Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
   For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars before cutting into squares.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 16 bars.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 50 minutes
Cooling time: 1–2 hours
Total time: About 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Salted Caramel Version: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel for a sweet-salty twist.

• Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping for extra texture.

• Spiced Apples: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice with the apple filling for deeper fall flavor.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the standard flour.

• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter and a dairy-free caramel sauce to make the bars plant-based.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or place in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. For best texture, serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

FAQs

What type of apples work best for these bars?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of chopped caramels?

Yes, you can drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the apples in place of chopped caramels.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients. Baking time may increase slightly—check for golden brown topping and bubbling filling.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Make sure to coat the apples well with cornstarch and don’t overfill with caramel sauce, which can create excess moisture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they store well. Prepare and bake the bars a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to serve.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?

Let the bars cool completely, then chill in the fridge for an hour or more. Use a sharp knife and wipe between cuts for neat slices.

Can I freeze caramel apple bars?

Yes, once cooled and sliced, wrap the bars individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

You can substitute with the same amount of all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder to thicken the apple filling.

Is it okay to use pre-cut or canned apples?

Fresh apples are best for flavor and texture, but peeled, pre-cut apples can work. Avoid canned apples as they may be too soft and syrupy.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed. Choose a firm stick margarine, not a spreadable tub.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Bars are the ultimate cozy dessert—perfectly sweet, slightly tart, and full of comforting fall spices. With their crumbly streusel topping and buttery crust, they offer both texture and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a seasonal celebration or simply indulging a craving, these bars are an easy and satisfying treat that’s sure to impress.