Caramel Apple Bars

View Instructions

Makes

1x 8″ (20 CM)
square pan
Makes 25-36 bars

Prep Time:

25 minutes

Cook Time:

42 minutes

Category:

Baked Goods | Squares & Bars

Introduction

About this Recipe

Recipe from Set for the Holidays
Appetite for Random House, 2018

These bars are a perfect option to replace apple pie as a plated dessert at Thanksgiving or Christmas. The homemade butter caramel sauce inside the bars and on top really adds sparkle.

Ingredients

Base

2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (100 g) regular rolled oats (not instant)
¾ cup (150 g) packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp baking powder
¾ cup (175 g) unsalted butter, melted

Filling & Assembly

3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced
¾ cup (175 mL) Butter Caramel Sauce, warmed, divided

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch (20 cm) square pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

For the base, stir the flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and baking powder in a large mixing bowl by hand. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is rough and crumbly (like a fruit crisp topping).

Step 3

Firmly press two-thirds of this mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 12 minutes, until browned just a little at the edges. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

Step 4

For the filling, arrange the sliced apples on top of the baked crust (it’s okay if it’s still warm). Drizzle ½ cup (125 mL) of the warm caramel sauce over the apples, and then top with the remaining crumble mixture, pressing down gently.

Step 5

Bake for 30 minutes, until lightly browned. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature. 6. Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup (60 mL) of caramel sauce over the pan and then chill uncovered for at least 2 hours before slicing.