Go Back
To make the best caramel apple pie bars, you need some key ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup old-fashioned oats - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 tsp baking powder - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 tsp cinnamon - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1/2 cup caramel sauce - 1 tbsp lemon juice Using these ingredients gives you a great flavor and texture. The oats add crunch to the topping. The brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. Choosing the right apples is key. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. - Granny Smith: They are tart and firm. They hold up well during baking. - Honeycrisp: They are sweet and juicy. They add a nice contrast to the tartness. Mixing these apples will give a balanced flavor. You can also add a few extras to make your bars even better: - Walnuts or Pecans: Chopped nuts add great crunch and flavor. - Raisins or Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness and a chewy texture. - Nutmeg: A pinch can enhance the spice flavor. Feel free to experiment with these add-ins. They can make your caramel apple pie bars unique! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat is just right for our bars. Next, grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until everything is well combined. Now, add in 1/2 cup of melted butter and 1 large egg. Mix until it turns crumbly. Set aside 1 cup of this mix for the topping. Next, take the remaining oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the lined pan. This makes a solid crust that will hold everything together. Now, let’s prepare the apples. In another bowl, combine 3-4 peeled, cored, and diced apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss this mix well so the apples are coated evenly. Spread the apple mix over the crust in the baking pan. Drizzle half of the 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the apples. This adds a sweet touch. Next, sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the apples. Make sure to cover them well. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top of the crumble. This will give it a nice, gooey topping. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown crumble and tender apples. Once done, let the pan cool completely on a wire rack. Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Cut them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy the deliciousness! To get a great crust, you need to blend your dry ingredients well. Mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step makes sure every bite has flavor. After mixing, add melted butter and the egg. Stir until the mix is crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into your pan. This helps create a strong base for the bars. Make sure the layer is even. A well-formed crust holds the filling and topping better. These bars shine when served warm. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream pairs well with warm caramel apple pie bars. Drizzling extra caramel sauce adds even more sweetness. You can also serve these with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm flavors of the pie go well with your drink. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts for crunch. To know when your bars are ready, look for a golden brown crumble on top. The apples should feel soft but not mushy. You can test this by poking a fork into the bars. If it goes in easily, they’re done. The edges may also pull away from the pan slightly. Once baked, let the bars cool completely. This helps them set. If you cut them too soon, they might fall apart. {{image_2}} To make these caramel apple pie bars gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Many blends work well without changing the taste. Make sure to check the blend’s baking powder, as some contain gluten. This small change keeps your bars tasty and safe for gluten-sensitive friends. Nuts or dried fruits can bring new flavors to your bars. Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat crumble. They add crunch and flavor. You can also mix in dried cranberries or raisins with the apple mixture. This change adds sweetness and a chewy texture. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combo! You can adapt this recipe to match the seasons. In fall, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm spice touch. In spring, consider mixing in some fresh berries with the apples. They add color and a tart taste that contrasts nicely. Each season brings new fruits and spices. This keeps your caramel apple pie bars exciting all year round! To keep your caramel apple pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their texture and flavor. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. These bars can last up to five days in the fridge. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This method helps restore their fresh-baked taste. You can also microwave a single bar for about 15-20 seconds. If you like, drizzle on extra caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy! Yes, you can! Feel free to use any caramel sauce you like. Store-bought works well if you’re short on time. You can also make homemade caramel for a richer taste. Just ensure it is thick enough to drizzle on the bars. These bars can last for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you put them in the fridge, they will last about a week. Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day ahead. Just bake them, let them cool, and store them covered. This makes them easy to serve when you need them. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw before enjoying! Caramel Apple Pie Bars combine rich flavors and simple steps. We explored key ingredients, the right apples, and fun add-ins. Making the crust and assembling the bars is easy with my step-by-step guide. You learned tips for a perfect crust and how to tell when they're done. Plus, you saw variations and storage tips to enjoy them later. Now, you can bake these delicious treats confidently! Enjoy every bite you make.

Caramel Apple Pie Bars with Oat Crumble

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Pie Bars with Oat Crumble that are perfect for dessert lovers! This easy recipe combines fresh apples, rich caramel, and a buttery oat crumble for a mouthwatering treat. Learn how to whip up these delightful bars in just an hour! Click to explore the full recipe and discover how to make your baking moments even sweeter with this irresistible dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. Add melted butter and egg, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

      Press Down the Crust: Press the remaining oat mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a firm crust.

        Prepare the Apples: In another bowl, combine diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss until apples are thoroughly coated.

          Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the top of the apples.

            Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the apple layer, evenly covering it. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top of the crumble for added sweetness and flavor.

              Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the apples are tender.

                Cool and Slice: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles.

                  Serve: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over each bar if desired, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bars