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To make these tasty bars, you need a few key ingredients. Here's what you'll need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup oats - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional) These ingredients work together to create a sweet and gooey experience. The apples provide a tart crunch, while the buttery crust holds everything together. You can add optional ingredients to enhance the taste. Consider using: - Chopped walnuts for texture and crunch - Pecans for a different nutty flavor - Brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper sweetness - A splash of lemon juice to brighten the apple flavor These extras make the bars even more special and fun. If you have dietary needs, you can make some easy swaps. Here are a few ideas: - Use gluten-free flour to make the bars gluten-free. - Replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a healthier sweetener. These substitutions allow everyone to enjoy these delicious bars, no matter their diet. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x13 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour this into the crumb mixture and stir until just combined. Press about two-thirds of the crust mixture into the bottom of your pan. This forms the base. In another bowl, toss 4 sliced apples with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Spread these apples evenly over the crust. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce on top of the apples. In the same bowl from the crust, mix in 1/2 cup of oats and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts if you want. Sprinkle this over the caramel apple layer. Finally, crumble the rest of the crust mixture on top. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and tender apples. Once baked, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the cooled bars. Allow them to cool completely before lifting them out. Use the parchment paper to pull the bars out and cut them into squares. Enjoy! To get the best crust for your caramel apple pie bars, keep your butter cold. Cold butter makes the crust flaky and tender. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients quickly. You want a crumbly texture, not a smooth dough. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, but don’t overdo it. A light touch keeps it tender. For baking, I love using Granny Smith apples. They are tart and hold their shape well. You can also mix in Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for added sweetness. Aim for a balance of sweet and tart flavors. This mix creates a more complex taste in your bars. Always peel and core your apples for the best texture. When drizzling caramel, warm it slightly. Warm caramel flows easier and gives a nice look. Use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for better control. Start from the edges and work your way to the center. This helps cover all the apples evenly. For extra flair, you can sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top after drizzling. It adds a rich flavor contrast to the sweetness. {{image_2}} You can easily make gluten-free caramel apple pie bars. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that works well in baking. This will keep the texture light and delicious. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Don’t worry; your bars will still taste amazing! Adding nuts or dried fruits can bring new flavors to your bars. Consider using chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. You can also mix in dried cranberries or raisins. Just sprinkle them over the apple layer before adding the caramel. This extra touch adds texture and richness. To make your caramel apple pie bars even more special, try adding spices or zests. A bit of ginger or cloves can give a warm flavor. You can also add lemon or orange zest for a bright taste. Just mix these into the apple filling before baking. This small change makes a big difference! To keep your caramel apple pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can stack the bars with parchment paper between them. This prevents sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, try refrigerating them. They will stay good for about a week in the fridge. Freezing is a great way to save some bars for later. Let the bars cool completely first. Then, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you crave a sweet treat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheating your caramel apple pie bars can bring back that fresh-baked taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quick fix. Heat a bar for about 15-20 seconds. Just watch that it doesn’t get too hot! Yes, you can make the crust ahead of time. Just prepare the crust mixture and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to bake, take it out and press it into your pan. This helps save time when you want to whip up these caramel apple pie bars. The bars are done when the top turns golden brown. You can also check if the apples are tender by poking them with a fork. If they’re soft, the bars are ready. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-baking. Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a special touch. Just make sure it's thick enough so it doesn’t soak the crust. If your sauce is thin, let it cool a bit before drizzling over the apples. This way, your bars will stay nice and firm. Caramel apple pie bars are easy to make and packed with flavor. We covered key ingredients, and how to prepare and bake them. I shared tips for a perfect crust and which apples work best. You can even customize these bars for different diets or tastes. Keep these bars stored well, and enjoy their deliciousness later. Try these steps, and you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills. Enjoy your journey in making these tasty treats!

Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of caramel apple pie bars! This easy recipe combines buttery crust, tender apples, and rich caramel for a delightful treat any time of year. Perfect for gatherings or a special dessert, these bars are sure to impress. Discover how to create this delicious dessert from scratch with simple ingredients and steps. Click through now to explore the full recipe and make your own caramel apple pie bars today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (preferably Granny Smith)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a large bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder.

      Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

        In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Add to the crumb mixture and stir until just combined.

          Press about two-thirds of the mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the crust.

            In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture over the crust in the baking pan.

              Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples, ensuring even coverage.

                In the same bowl used for the crust mixture, add oats and chopped walnuts if using, and mix well. Sprinkle this topping over the caramel apple layer.

                  Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the top of the oats.

                    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

                      Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before drizzling with the remaining caramel sauce.

                        Let the bars cool completely before pulling them out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cutting into squares.

                          Prep Time: 20 mins, Total Time: 1 hr, Servings: 12 bars

                            - Presentation Tips: Serve bars on a rustic wooden board, drizzled with additional caramel sauce, and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful touch!