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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 3 cups apples (Granny Smith recommended) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup caramel sauce - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) To make delicious caramel apple crisp bars, gather these simple ingredients. Start with 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Next, add 1 cup of rolled oats for texture. Use 1 cup of brown sugar to give sweetness and depth. Combine with 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to help with rising. Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter to bind everything together. For the filling, choose 3 cups of peeled and diced Granny Smith apples. Their tartness balances the sweetness. Mix them with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for that warm spice flavor. Don’t forget the star of this recipe, 1 cup of caramel sauce, to drizzle over the apples. If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for a bit of crunch. These ingredients come together to create a sweet treat you won't forget! - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line a 9x13 inch baking dish. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, and 1 cup of brown sugar. - Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. - Mix until everything is well blended. - Pour in 1 cup of melted butter and stir until crumbly. - Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for topping. - Press the remaining mixture firmly into the baking dish to form the base layer. - Peel, core, and dice 3 cups of apples. Granny Smith works best for tartness. - In a bowl, toss the diced apples with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. - Mix until the apples are well coated. - Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the base layer. - Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples. - Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top. - If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for extra crunch. - Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender. - Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. - Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top before serving. - Check the bars mid-way through baking for even cooking. This helps avoid over-baking. - Use parchment paper in your baking dish. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. - Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar. It adds a nice caramel flavor. - For a vegan option, use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also find vegan caramel sauce in stores. - Serve caramel apple crisp bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It adds creaminess. - Present the bars on a pretty platter. Dust with powdered sugar for a nice touch. - Drizzle extra caramel sauce on each plate. This adds sweetness and makes your dessert pop. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your caramel apple crisp bars. Adding spices like ginger or allspice makes them unique. These spices add warmth and depth. You can also try different types of apples. Granny Smith apples are tart and firm. Other apples, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, offer sweetness. Mixing apple varieties gives your bars a fun twist! When it comes to caramel, you have choices. You can use homemade caramel sauce for a rich flavor. Making it at home is easy and rewarding. If you're short on time, store-bought caramel works just as well. You can also try alternative toppings. A chocolate drizzle adds a sweet surprise. It pairs nicely with the apple and caramel. You can adapt this recipe for different diets. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. This keeps the bars tasty for everyone. If you need nut-free options, simply leave out the nuts. The bars will still be delicious and satisfying. You can enjoy these treats and cater to different dietary needs! To keep your caramel apple crisp bars fresh, store them properly. - Cool completely before storing. This helps avoid condensation. - Use an airtight container to keep them moist. - Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. - They stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them to extend freshness. You can also freeze these delicious bars for later. - Cut the bars into squares before freezing. - Wrap each square in plastic wrap. - Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. - They can last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy later, simply thaw at room temperature. For best texture, warm them in the oven for a few minutes. How long do caramel apple crisp bars last? Caramel apple crisp bars will stay fresh for up to one week. Keep them in an airtight container. This helps keep the bars moist and tasty. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make these bars a day in advance. Just cool them completely and store them. This allows the flavors to blend even more. What’s the best way to reheat the bars? To reheat, place the bars in a warm oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This will soften them up and make the caramel gooey again. Are caramel apple crisp bars healthy? These bars are a sweet treat and not a health food. They contain sugar and butter, but you can make healthier choices. Use whole wheat flour or less sugar for a lighter version. Nutritional facts and serving sizes Each bar contains about 200 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 30 grams of carbs. This is based on a serving size of one bar. Remember to enjoy them in moderation! Why are my bars too crumbly? If your bars are too crumbly, you may have added too much flour or not enough butter. Make sure to measure carefully and mix well. Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish. What to do if the apples are too firm? If your apples are too firm, you can slice them thinner next time. You can also bake the bars a bit longer. This will help the apples soften and blend with the other flavors. We've covered how to create delicious caramel apple crisp bars with easy steps. From choosing the right ingredients to baking and storing, this guide has you set for success. Remember to check for even cooking and get creative with flavors. You can adapt this recipe for your needs too. Enjoy making these tasty bars that everyone will love! Dive into baking and share your sweet results.

Caramel Apple Crisp Bars

Indulge in the sweet comfort of Caramel Apple Crisp Bars! These delicious treats combine juicy apples and rich caramel in a delightful crumbly base that’s perfect for any occasion. In just one hour, you can create this mouthwatering dessert with simple ingredients and easy steps. Click through to discover the full recipe, tips for serving, and more ways to enjoy this fall favorite! Enjoy a slice of bliss today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 medium apples, preferably Granny Smith for tartness)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well blended.

      Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

        Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the base layer. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.

          In another bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they are well coated.

            After the base layer has baked for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven and evenly distribute the apple mixture over the top.

              Drizzle half of the caramel sauce evenly over the apples. (Reserve the other half for serving.)

                Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples and caramel layer, then top with chopped nuts if desired.

                  Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

                    Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares or rectangles for serving. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce before serving.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a decorative platter, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on each plate for added sweetness and flavor.