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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples) - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) - Additional cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling You can swap the apples for pears if you want. Pears add a soft, sweet flavor. Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. If you want a nut-free version, leave out the walnuts or pecans. You can also try other nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts. - 1 cup = 240 ml - 1 tablespoon = 15 ml - 1 teaspoon = 5 ml - 1/2 cup = 120 ml - 1/4 teaspoon = 1.25 ml These conversions help if you use different measuring tools. You can make your baking easier by knowing these conversions. Keeping these handy ensures every recipe turns out just right! First, gather all your ingredients. You need flour, oats, sugars, and spices. Make sure your apples are peeled and diced. For a richer taste, set your butter to melt in the microwave. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. Then, pour in the melted butter. Stir until it resembles a crumbly dough. Reserve one cup of this dough for the topping. Press the rest into the bottom of your baking dish to form the crust. Bake this crust for about 15 minutes, until it turns a light golden brown. While your crust bakes, prepare the apple filling. In a separate bowl, mix your diced apples with caramel sauce. Stir until the apples are well coated. If you like, add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Once the crust is ready, take it out of the oven. Pour the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it out. Now, crumble the reserved dough over the apples. This will create a nice streusel topping. For an extra kick, sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top. Return the dish to the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. The apples should be tender. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This helps them set, making them easier to slice. When picking apples, go for firm ones. Look for apples that are bright and free of blemishes. I like using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. They balance the sweet caramel well. Honeycrisp apples also work great for their crisp texture. Always taste a slice before baking to ensure they have good flavor. Store leftover bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back the gooey caramel and soft apples. To make these bars even better, try adding spices. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger adds warmth. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries for a twist. Drizzling extra caramel sauce before serving gives a nice touch. For crunch, sprinkle more nuts on top after baking. Each change adds a new layer of taste. {{image_2}} You can make these bars gluten-free easily. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. Look for a blend that works well in baking. You should also check that your oats are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavor without the gluten. To make this recipe vegan, swap out the butter for plant-based butter. Use a flaxseed or chia seed egg instead of a regular egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with two tablespoons of water, and let it sit for five minutes. For the caramel, choose a vegan brand or make your own at home. These changes keep the bars tasty and animal-friendly. You can spice up these bars. Add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for a warm flavor. If you like a crunch, toss in some chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans. For a fun twist, try adding raisins or dried cranberries to the apple mix. Each variation changes the taste, making every batch unique and delicious. To keep your caramel apple streusel bars fresh, let them cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares. Place the squares in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them. They will last up to a week in the fridge. To freeze these bars, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. These bars can freeze well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight. These bars are delightful on their own. For a special treat, serve them warm with extra caramel sauce drizzled on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy touch. Try garnishing with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, put them in the fridge. If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can use dulce de leche. This sweet treat adds a similar rich flavor. You can also make your own caramel sauce at home using sugar and cream. Just be careful not to burn it! To keep the bars moist, do not overbake them. Bake until the top is golden, about 25-30 minutes. Adding more apples can also help. The moisture from the apples keeps the bars soft. The best apples for baking are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples hold their shape and add a nice balance of sweet and tart. Avoid soft apples, as they become mushy when baked. Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins for extra flavor. A sprinkle of oats or coconut on top can add texture. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you add a lot of extras. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Caramel Apple Streusel Bars. We covered the essential ingredients and offered helpful substitutions. I shared my step-by-step baking method, along with tips to enhance flavor and texture. You also learned about storage options and variations, like gluten-free and vegan versions. Making these bars is fun and rewarding. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can impress everyone. Enjoy creating this sweet treat, and don’t hesitate to personalize your recipe!

Caramel Apple Streusel Bars

Indulge in the sweet taste of fall with these Caramel Apple Streusel Bars! This easy recipe combines juicy apples, rich caramel, and a buttery streusel topping that's perfect for sharing or enjoying solo. Get ready to bake a delightful treat in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips to elevate your dessert game! #CaramelAppleStreuselBars #FallDesserts #BakingRecipes #SweetTreats
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Additional cinnamon and sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

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

      Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles a crumbly dough. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture to create the streusel topping.

        Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

          While the crust is baking, prepare the apple filling. In another bowl, combine the diced apples with the caramel sauce, mixing well to coat the apples evenly. Add the chopped nuts if using.

            Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the caramel apple mixture evenly over the crust, spreading it out with a spatula.

              Crumble the reserved dough over the top of the apples to create an even streusel layer. Sprinkle additional cinnamon and sugar on top for extra flavor.

                Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

                  Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins | Servings: 12 bars

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve on a wooden cutting board, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and garnished with a sprinkle of chopped nuts. For a touch of elegance, add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a delightful contrast.