Caramel Apple Crunch Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
- Set the oven temperature to 400°F, or 200°C. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal, or lightly oil it.
- Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping
- Put the softened butter, shortening (if using), and brown sugar in a large bowl. Using a medium-speed electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Mix the oats, baking soda, salt, and 1¾ cups flour in a separate basin. Mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until they are crumbly and thoroughly combined.
- Step 3: Form the Crust
- To make the topping, measure out and save 2 cups of the crumbly mixture. To create a solid crust, evenly press the remaining ingredients into the bottom of the baking pan.
- Step 4: Prepare the Apples
- To keep the apples from browning, combine the lemon juice and diced apples in a medium bowl. Next, dust the apples with the three tablespoons of flour and toss once more to coat. As the apples bake, the flour helps to thicken their juices. Evenly cover the prepared crust with the apple mixture.
- Step 5: Melt the Caramel
- Melt the unwrapped caramels with the water or heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often until smooth. You may omit this step if you are using caramel sauce from a jar.
- Step 6: Assemble the Bars
- Evenly cover the apple layer with the melted caramel. Cover the caramel and apples with the remaining oat mixture. Using your hands or a spatula, lightly press the topping down.
- Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 8: Cool and Serve
- Before slicing the bars into squares, let them cool somewhat. You may either let them cool fully at room temperature or even put them in the refrigerator for a little while if you want cleaner cuts. Any leftovers should be refrigerated, covered.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Caramel Apple Crunch Bars recipe is a fall favorite for a reason:
- Triple-Layer Texture: The bottom has a firm, buttery crust, the middle has a soft, spiced apple layer, and the top has a crunchy, sweet crumble. It is a masterwork of texture!
- The Perfect Autumn Flavour: In one mouthful, the flavours of toasty cinnamon, tangy apples, rich brown sugar, and gooey caramel sauce perfectly encapsulate autumn.
- Transportable Dessert: These bars are far easier to slice, serve, and pack for lunchboxes, potlucks, and parties than a classic apple pie or crisp.
- Make-Ahead Compliant: The bars are a perfect dish for entertaining because they taste even better the following day after the flavours have had chance to combine.
FAQs
Which kind of apple is ideal for use?
Because of their acidity, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel and brown sugar, Granny Smith apples are highly recommended. Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp are great firm substitutes if you like a softer flavour.
Is it possible to utilise different kinds of oats?
Both Old-Fashioned (rolled) and Quick-Cooking oats work well in the crumb combination. Instant oats have an excessively powdered texture, so avoid using them.
How should leftover bars be stored?
The cooled bars can be kept in the fridge for up to a week or at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container.
Are these bars freezer-friendly?
Indeed. Cut the bars into squares after they have cooled fully. After securely wrapping each bar in plastic wrap, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for the entire night.
If I do not have caramel sauce, what then?
Individual wrapped caramels (about 14 ounces) can be melted in a skillet over low heat with a spoonful or two of milk or cream until smooth and pourable. A basic homemade caramel sauce is another option.
Final Notes
- The Cooling Period is Key: Avoid cutting the bars while they are still heated by allowing them to cool down. In order to prevent the bars from becoming a crumbly, mushy mass that is challenging to serve, the caramel coating must cool and firm.
- Spice It Up: A sprinkle of powdered nutmeg or allspice can be added to the apple filling mixture to offer an additional layer of flavour.
- Suggestion for Serving: These bars taste great at room temperature, but for a really rich treat, serve them warm with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream and more caramel sauce.
