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Cozy Caramel Apple Crisp Bars

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These cozy caramel apple crisp bars feature a tender apple filling with a buttery oat crumble topping and a drizzle of caramel sauce, perfect for a comforting fall dessert that’s easy to make and share.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190 g)
  • 1 cup rolled oats (90 g), old-fashioned preferred
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (150 g)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter (170 g), softened
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 medium apples (about 2 cups sliced, peeled and cored; Granny Smith recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (120 ml), homemade or store-bought
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in softened butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
  4. Peel, core, and slice apples into thin, even slices. Toss with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir this dry mix into the apples, coating evenly.
  6. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pressed crust in the pan, about 1 inch thick.
  7. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the apples, breaking it up with fingers for a rustic look. Do not press down.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes until topping is golden and apple filling is bubbly. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast during last 10 minutes.
  9. Remove from oven and immediately drizzle caramel sauce evenly over warm bars. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt if using.
  10. Let cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour to set and make slicing easier.
  11. Slice into 12 squares using a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for best texture and tartness. Butter should be softened, not melted, for perfect crumble texture. Cool bars completely before slicing to avoid sogginess. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour; for vegan, use dairy-free butter and vegan caramel sauce. Parchment paper lining helps with easy removal and cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple bars, apple crisp bars, oat crumble dessert, fall dessert, easy apple dessert, caramel apple crisp, homemade bars

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/cozy-caramel-apple-crisp-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-oat-crumble-dessert/