If you’ve recently gone apple picking, you may as well go back for another bushel now because after making just one batch of these Caramel Apple Bars you’ll be making them on repeat all season long.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Caramel Apple Bar Recipe
- Totally Irresistible. Caramel apple bars are just one of those desserts—the ones you can’t stay away from. They’re a dessert you spend your entire dinner dreaming about and justify eating for breakfast (after all, they’re not that different from Apple Coffee Cake).
- Just the Right Combination of Flavors and Textures. A thick, buttery brown sugar and oatmeal base. Tart, yet sweet, seasonal apples. Gooey caramel goodness (preferably this Apple Cider Caramel Sauce, but store-bought is absolutely fine). Followed by more cinnamon-y, crumby, crispy topping.
- Perfect for Fall. Caramel apple bars are everything a fall dessert can, should and must be. The bars are a perfect union between a gooey caramel apple on a stick and classic apple crisp served warm from the oven. They’re also EASY!
5 Star Review
“Was delicious! Thanks for sharing it. My husband was in heaven”
— Debbi —
How to Make Caramel Apple Bars
The Ingredients
- Apples. The best apples for this recipe are those that are firm and hold their shape well when baked, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala.
- Caramel Sauce. Regardless of if you use store-bought caramel sauce or homemade, the sweet, gooey caramel factor of these bars will always score a 10/10.
- Butter. Essential for creating a rich crumbly base and topping that hug the tender apples and warm caramel filling.
- Whole Wheat + All Purpose Flour. My way of sneaking a little bonus whole grain nutrition into these bars is with a 50/50 blend of whole wheat flour and everyday all purpose flour.
- Rolled Oats. Add nice texture and subtle nutty flavor to the bars.
- Dark Brown Sugar. Contributes a little extra oomph of molasses flavor.
- Spices. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice round out these bars and give them that iconic fall taste (and heavenly aroma).
The Directions
- Mix the Crumbs. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl (reserving 3 tablespoons of all purpose flour). Then, work in the butter with your fingers.
- Make the Caramel Layer. Next, whisk together the caramel and reserved 3 tablespoons of flour in a separate bowl.
- Form the Crust. Press the crumbs into a greased and parchment-lined 8×8 baking dish, reserving 1/3 for the top layer.
- Layer the Rest. Arrange the apples over the crust in an even layer, then add a thick layer of caramel sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of the remaining crumbs.
- Bake. Bake until the top is golden. Let cool completely, slice into bars, and serve. ENJOY!
Variations
- Make It Nutty. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping mixture for some extra crunch and flavor.
- Go Vegan. You can make vegan caramel apple bars with this recipe by swapping the butter for equal amounts of your favorite soy-based margarine (like Earth Balance) and using this Vegan Caramel Sauce.
- Try It Gluten-Free. You could try swapping the oats and flour for a 1-to-1 gluten free baking mix and gluten-free rolled oats. Otherwise, I recommend trying this killer Gluten Free Apple Crisp recipe instead.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Make Enough for a Crowd. To make this caramel apple bar recipe in a 9×13 pan, double the ingredients and then prepare as directed. Note that the baking time may vary so keep a close eye on the bars and adjust the time accordingly.
- Keep the Parchment from Slipping. A spritz of cooking spray on the baking dish before adding the parchment paper will help keep the paper in place. It’s not a must, but I think it makes assembly a bit easier.
- Use Good Apples. Mealy, bland apples make for a disappointing caramel apple bar recipe. Always bake with the best apples you can get your hands on. You can’t transform lackluster fruit into a stellar dessert!
Caramel Apple Bars
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 bars (using an 8×8-inch pan)
Caramel apple bars start with a brown sugar oat base, then baked apples, gooey caramel, and a cinnamon crumble are layered on top. Bliss!
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Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus 3 tablespoons), divided
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups peeled diced firm apples such as Granny Smith (about 2 large or 3 medium)
- ½ cup homemade or store-bought caramel sauce try with this vegan caramel sauce
Instructions
- Place rack in center of your oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8-inch x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, 1 cup all purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, all-spice, and nutmeg. Add the butter in small pieces, then quickly work it in with your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the caramel and remaining 3 tablespoons of flour. Set aside.
- Press 2/3 of the crumbs into the prepared baking dish and evenly arrange the sliced apples over top. Then evenly pour the caramel over the top of the apples and sprinkle with the remaining crumbs.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until top is lightly browned. Let the bars cool completely before cutting—or serve very messy, very delicious bars immediately.
Notes
- TO STORE: Leftover caramel apple bars may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- TO FREEZE: Caramel apple bars may be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- TO REHEAT: Enjoy these bars chilled from the fridge, at room temperature, or warm. To reheat, warm an individual serving on a microwave-safe plate for 10-20 seconds.
Nutrition
Serving: 1(of 12)Calories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 25mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 313IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg
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Feedback booth time! Another keeper! I got my bottom layer a little too thick but they were still very, very good (all gone in < 24 hr via us and sharing). I should have listened to you and peeled those apples, tho (me=lazy). I also used all KAF white WW. I'm going to have to start me a lil old "Erin hits" notebook at this rate! ;). Thank you for adding to the rotation list. Our cool air is coming, so more Erin's caramel and Erin's apple bars on the way soon!
Joanie, I love your feedback, and I love you for trying so many of my recipes! Makes me smile every time :-) Thanks for the detailed report, and I might try these with all white WW myself next time. Thanks again, so much!
Was delicious! Thanks for sharing it. My husband was in heaven!
Debbi, I am so so excited to hear that you and your husband loved these bars! “heaven” is the highest praise for which I could ask :) Thanks so much for trying the recipe and letting me know how it turned out for you!
Erin, it went really well – thank you again! The bars were DELICIOUS and everyone loved them! http://eleventhfloorview.com/2014/10/29/vegan-caramel-apple-crisp-bars/
Jacqueline, I am so so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for letting me know, and for sharing the recipe on your blog too. I’m honored!!
Hi there, I would like to make this dessert in a 9×13 pan. Would you recommend doubling the recipe? Thanks.
Hi Rita! I have never made the recipe this way, so it would be a bit of an experiment, but generally to go from an 8 x 8 pan to a 9 x 13 pan, you are fine to double the recipe. You will likely need to adjust the baking time though, so just keep an eye on them. I hope you enjoy!
Loooved this recipe. Perfect for when you’re just craving a little piece of indulgence. The apple pie bars are delicious just as they are…. but the addition of decadent, caramel sauce was awesome and on a whole other level. Thank you, Erin, for another great recipe!
So glad to hear, thank you Sally!
I just made these tonight and had some while still warm and they were amazing! Planning on sharing these caramel apple bars with some extended family this weekend. Now I have a perfect excuse to go pick some apples!
So happy to hear you enjoyed the bars, Stephanie! Thank you!
Oh my gosh I made this last night for dessert and it was a definite hit. My husband went back for seconds, and he never does! And we ate the caramel out of the jar with a spoon…so so good
Yay! Great to hear, thank you Sophia!
So delicious! I only had salted butter in my fridge, and I thought they turned out fantastic. It made a nice salty sweet treat.
So happy to hear, thank you Robin!