Spiced Caramel Apple Bars (Print View)
Chewy bars layer cinnamon apples, luscious caramel, and buttery topping. Satisfies sweet cravings with comforting flavors.
# Components:
→ Cookie Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
06 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Spiced Apple Filling
09 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
14 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
15 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
→ Caramel Layer
16 - 2/3 cup caramel sauce
→ Crumble Topping
17 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
18 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
19 - 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
20 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
21 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
04 - Spread about two-thirds of the dough evenly in the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining dough for topping.
05 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and liquid is slightly reduced. Set aside to cool slightly.
06 - Distribute the cooled spiced apple mixture evenly over the cookie base.
07 - Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
08 - Drop spoonfuls of the reserved cookie dough over the caramel layer.
09 - In a small bowl, blend flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut cold diced butter into the mixture until coarse crumbs form.
10 - Sprinkle crumble evenly on top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and set. Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Rich layers of spiced apples, caramel, and buttery cookie crumble give a cozy autumn flavor
- Easy to slice and serve, great for sharing at gatherings or as an indulgent treat
02 -
- Add 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the apple layer or crumble for extra crunch
- Use Granny Smith apples for tartness, or Honeycrisp for a sweeter taste
03 -
- Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean squares
- Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat