Description
Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, warm cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crisp oat streusel topping into one irresistible dessert. Finished with a drizzle of caramel, these bars are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
For the Filling
- 1 pound apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
For the Topping
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Serving
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper.
- Combine the flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter for the crust.
- Mix with your fingers until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 18 minutes.
- While the crust bakes, combine the sliced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice in a bowl.
- Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, oats, flour, butter, and cinnamon for the topping.
- Blend with your fingers until crumbly.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the hot crust.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special dessert.
- Top with whipped cream for a lighter finish.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel drizzle for added crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
- Freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.