Introduction:
Caramel apple slice bars are a delightful combination of soft, buttery crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, rich caramel, and a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. These bars are the perfect treat for fall, offering the comforting flavors of caramel apples in a more portable form. The layers of flaky crust, juicy apple filling, and decadent caramel sauce make these bars a hit at any gathering, from family celebrations to cozy nights in. The addition of chopped pecans provides a nice crunch that complements the smooth caramel topping, elevating these bars to something truly special. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these caramel apple slice bars will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For the crust, you will need 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup unsalted butter (softened). For the apple filling, gather 4 cups thinly sliced apples (about 4-5 medium apples), 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. For the caramel topping, you will need 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) and 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional). For the streusel topping, you will need 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened).
Instructions:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of softened butter. Mix until the ingredients come together into a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth and even crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.
For the apple filling, take a large bowl and combine the 4 cups of thinly sliced apples, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Toss everything together to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
Next, drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer. If desired, sprinkle the 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the top for added texture and flavor. For the streusel topping, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened butter in a medium bowl. Mix the ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the caramel and apple layers.
Place the baking dish back into the oven and bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool in the dish for at least 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve the bars warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
Tips:
- Choose apples that hold up well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious, to ensure the apple filling maintains its shape and doesn’t become too mushy.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality caramel for the best results.
- If you don’t like pecans, you can leave them out or substitute them with another nut like walnuts or almonds, or you can omit the nuts entirely.
- You can make the bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions:
Caramel apple slice bars are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated with a few extra touches. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. You can also drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness. For a more decadent dessert, serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. If you’re hosting a fall gathering or holiday dinner, these bars also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, cider, or tea.
Storage:
To store leftover caramel apple slice bars, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. For extended storage, you can freeze the bars. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars will last up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
FAQ:
- Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, depending on your preference. You can also leave out the nuts entirely if you prefer. - Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bars ahead of time. They can be baked and stored at room temperature for a couple of days or kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. - What kind of apples should I use for the filling?
Apples that are firm and tart work best for baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These apples will hold their shape and not turn mushy during baking. - Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes, homemade caramel sauce adds a richer flavor to the bars. If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce is a great alternative and works perfectly in this recipe.
Conclusion:
Caramel apple slice bars are the perfect dessert for autumn, combining the warm flavors of caramel and cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy streusel topping. These bars are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and versatile enough to serve at any occasion, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. With the option to add nuts or leave them out, this recipe can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or as an afternoon snack, caramel apple slice bars are sure to become a fall favorite.
Caramel Apple Slice Bars Recipe
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with these caramel apple slice bars, featuring a buttery crust, spiced apple filling, rich caramel topping, and a crumbly streusel finish.
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups thinly sliced apples (about 4-5 medium apples)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of softened butter in a medium bowl and mix until crumbly.
3️⃣ Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
4️⃣ In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of sliced apples, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat and spread evenly over the crust.
5️⃣ Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the apple mixture and sprinkle with chopped pecans, if using.
6️⃣ In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of softened butter to make a crumbly streusel topping.
7️⃣ Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples and caramel.
8️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
9️⃣ Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving. Enjoy