Caramel Apple Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for that cozy fall dessert that wraps you up in warmth and nostalgia, look no further than Caramel Apple Bars. These decadent bars combine the classic charm of buttery oats, crisp sweet-tart apples, and a luscious ribbon of gooey caramel right through the middle. Every bite is equal parts chewy, soft, and irresistibly rich—a recipe worthy of sharing at potlucks or simply savoring with a cup of coffee at home. Get ready to embrace the perfect sweet treat that celebrates the best flavors of the season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Caramel Apple Bars come together with simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, each one lending a special touch to the final texture and flavor. Don’t skip on any of these—they all have their moment to shine!
- Butter: Softened unsalted butter builds a rich, tender base and helps everything hold together beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: Adds that deep, molasses sweetness essential for chewy bars and flavor depth.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances out the brown sugar and enhances the apple’s natural sweetness.
- Eggs: Ensure structure and moistness, making the bars hold together without being dry.
- Vanilla Extract: Offers aromatic warmth and enhances both the apple and caramel notes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bars substance without making them heavy—perfect for a blondie-like crumb.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: Bring a comforting chew and rustic texture that pairs so well with apples and caramel.
- Baking Soda: Provides just the right rise and a lighter texture in every bite.
- Salt: Balances out all the sweetness and highlights the caramel flavor marvelously.
- Ground Cinnamon: Delivers that quintessential autumn spice—don’t hold back!
- Apples: Peeled, cored, and finely chopped for sweet-tart bursts; Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji all work beautifully.
- Caramel Sauce: The gooey, golden heart of the recipe—plus extra for drizzling to impress every sweet tooth.
- Pecans or Walnuts (optional): For a little nutty crunch that plays so well with the gooey caramel and soft apple bits.
How to Make Caramel Apple Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, or give it a light greasing—this will make sure your Caramel Apple Bars lift out easily with all those gooey edges intact.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy—a good 2 to 3 minutes on medium speed will do the trick. This step sets the foundation for the bars’ chewy texture and rich, caramelized flavor.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in your eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth, glossy, and fragrant, ensuring everything is well combined for the best flavor and tenderness.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend adds structure and that signature autumn spice. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix—just until they’re incorporated.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples and, if you like a bit of crunch, the toasted pecans or walnuts. The apples will add juicy pops of flavor throughout, making each bite a little celebration of fall harvest.
Step 6: Layer the Dough and Add Caramel
Spread half of the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, getting it right into the corners. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the layer, leaving about a half-inch around the edges to prevent bubbling over. Drop the rest of the dough in spoonfuls over the caramel, and gently spread as much as possible to mostly cover the caramel layer.
Step 7: Bake, Cool, and Drizzle
Bake the Caramel Apple Bars for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top turns golden and set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is key for neat slicing. Before serving, drizzle generously with more caramel sauce for irresistible shine and extra decadence!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Bars
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of finely chopped toasted nuts are all stellar finishing touches. Fresh apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream on the side can make these bars downright show-stopping.
Side Dishes
These bars shine all on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a creamy Greek yogurt if you’re aiming for something a touch lighter. For fall gatherings, try serving them alongside warm apple cider or cinnamon-spiced coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Caramel Apple Bars into mini squares for a sweet party platter, or shape them into wedges like pie slices for a fun twist at brunch. Serving them in cupcake liners with caramel drizzle lets guests enjoy them mess-free—even at picnics or bake sales.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Caramel Apple Bars keep well in the fridge, stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen, and the bars get extra chewy and rich after a night’s rest—perfect for grab-and-go treats all week long.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange sliced bars in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze solid. Then stack them in a sealed container with parchment between layers. They’ll hold up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
If you like your Caramel Apple Bars just-baked warm, zap individual bars for about 15 seconds in the microwave, or heat a tray in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes. The caramel turns wonderfully gooey again, and the apples become extra fragrant.
FAQs
Which apples are best for Caramel Apple Bars?
Granny Smith apples add a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness of the caramel, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples give a naturally sweeter, juicier bite. Mixing two varieties also works wonders for a more complex flavor.
Can I make Caramel Apple Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. The bars keep their chewy, delicious character.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly here—especially when you’re short on time. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade caramel sauce adds even more depth and a hint of saltiness that’s divine.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining your baking pan with parchment paper is the key for fuss-free removal. If you opt for greasing, use butter or nonstick spray and make sure to get those corners well.
Do Caramel Apple Bars need to be refrigerated?
For best results, store the cooled bars in the fridge. This keeps the caramel layer set and makes them easy to slice and serve, though they’re still scrumptious at room temperature for a few hours if you’re taking them to a gathering.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely joyful about sharing a pan of homemade Caramel Apple Bars. Their sweet, spiced aroma turns any kitchen into the heart of autumn, and with every gooey, apple-packed bite, you’ll understand why they’re a true favorite. Give them a try, get creative with your garnishes, and I guarantee you’ll find yourself making these again and again—enjoy every square!
Print
Caramel Apple Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the taste of fall with these delicious Caramel Apple Bars. A buttery oatmeal base filled with juicy apples, caramel sauce, and a hint of cinnamon, these bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add apples and nuts: Stir in the chopped apples and nuts if using. Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Pour caramel sauce over the top, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer and gently spread to cover as much as possible.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Cool completely in the pan. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji offer a sweeter bite.
- These bars store well in the fridge and can be warmed slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
