Caramel Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping

When it comes to comforting desserts, few can rival the warmth and nostalgia of apple pie. However, in the realm of modern baking, caramel apple pie bars have emerged as a delightful twist on the traditional favorite. These bars encapsulate the essence of classic apple pie, marrying the sweet, gooey embrace of caramel with the tartness of baking apples—all nestled within a buttery crumble topping. Not only do these bars offer the familiar flavors we adore, but they also provide the convenience of a handheld treat, making them a perfect choice for gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in.

Caramel Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping

Indulge in the delightful flavors of caramel apple pie bars, a modern twist on a classic dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia. These sweet treats feature a buttery crust filled with tart apples and rich caramel, all topped with a crunchy crumble. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, they’re easy to make and offer an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Discover the step-by-step guide to create the ultimate comfort dessert that will leave your taste buds craving more.

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Ingredients

For the Crust and Crumble Topping:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp salt

For the Apple Filling:

4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

For the Caramel Sauce:

½ cup heavy cream

¾ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Caramel Sauce:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and butter; cook until melted and beginning to turn amber in color, about 4-5 minutes.

- Slowly stir in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla and salt. Set aside to cool.

Make the Crust and Crumble Topping:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes.

Prepare Apple Filling:

- In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.

Assemble the Bars:

- Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and layer the apple filling evenly over the crust. Drizzle half of the cooled caramel sauce over the apples.

Add the Crumble Topping:

- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the apple filling and caramel.

Bake the Bars:

- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Cool & Serve:

- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce before cutting into squares or bars. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12-16 bars