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To make the best Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (approximately 4 cups) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup caramel sauce (can be store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional) Each ingredient plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture. The all-purpose flour and rolled oats form a sturdy base. Brown sugar gives a rich sweetness. The apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, bring warmth. Caramel sauce drizzled on top adds that gooey touch. If you like crunch, toss in some chopped nuts. These ingredients come together for a treat that is hard to resist! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the edges for easy removal. - In a large bowl, mix: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Pour in 1 cup melted butter. Mix until crumbly. - Reserve one-third of the mixture for later. Press the rest firmly into the pan. - In another bowl, toss: - 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup caramel sauce (half for the apples) - Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce. - Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the apples. - If you like, add 1/2 cup chopped nuts on top for a crunchy finish. - Place the pan in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. - Check when the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. - Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. - Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. - Cut into squares. Serve on a platter and drizzle with extra caramel. Consider pairing with vanilla ice cream! - Ensuring even baking: To bake your bars evenly, spread the mixture flat in the pan. Use a spatula to press the crust firmly. This helps it brown nicely. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even heat. - Measuring ingredients accurately: Use dry measuring cups for flour and oats. Spoon flour into the cup, then level it off. Avoid packing it down. For brown sugar, pack it firmly into the cup, then level it. This gives the right texture. - Using different types of apples: Try using Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness. Each type adds its own flavor. Mix a few kinds for a more complex taste. - Flavored caramel sauce options: You can use vanilla, sea salt, or even chocolate-flavored caramel. Each adds a unique twist. Experiment with homemade versions for more control. - Incorporating other nuts and toppings: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also sprinkle some oats on top for extra texture. Consider adding shredded coconut or chocolate chips for a different flavor. {{image_4}} To keep your caramel apple crumble bars fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerating: Place the bars in an airtight container. They stay good for up to one week. If you want to avoid sogginess, use parchment paper between layers. - Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They last up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy later, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. When you're ready to enjoy your bars again, follow these steps to warm them up: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place the bars on a baking sheet. - Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This helps the caramel become gooey again. - If you're in a hurry, microwave a single bar for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy! Each serving has about 250 calories. This recipe yields 12 bars, making it a great treat for gatherings. The bars provide essential nutrients like: - Carbohydrates: 36g for energy - Fat: 12g for richness and flavor - Protein: 3g to help keep you full These ingredients combine to create a delightful balance between sweetness and texture. You can make these bars even better with some simple swaps. Try these ideas: - Reduced Sugar: Use half the amount of brown sugar. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. - Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blends. - Butter Alternatives: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Nut-Free: Omit nuts or use seeds like sunflower seeds for crunch without allergens. These swaps help you enjoy the flavors while making the bars a bit healthier. I like to use tart apples for the best flavor. Good options include: - Granny Smith - Honeycrisp - Fuji These apples hold their shape well. They provide a nice balance of sweet and tart. This makes the bars more flavorful. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prep: You can bake them a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container. - Storage: Keep them in the fridge to keep them fresh. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving. Look for these signs of perfect doneness: - The crumble topping should be golden brown. - The apples should be tender but not mushy. - A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If you see these signs, your bars are ready! Yes, you can adjust the recipe easily. Here are some tips: - Cut the ingredients in half: This will give you about six bars. - Use a smaller pan: A smaller baking dish will work well, like an 8x8 inch pan. - Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. They may need less time. Check for doneness earlier than the recipe states. You now have all you need to create delicious caramel apple crumble bars. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember to choose the right apples and store the bars properly for lasting flavor. You can enjoy making these bars with your own twists, too. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these bars are sure to please. Enjoy your baking journey and relish every bite!

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Indulge in the sweet and satisfying taste of Caramel Apple Crumble Bars! This easy recipe combines tender apples, rich caramel, and a crunchy oat topping, perfect for dessert or a cozy gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat in no time. Ready to impress your friends and family? Click through to explore the full recipe and get baking today! Don't miss out on this delightful fall favorite!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (approximately 4 cups)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup caramel sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)

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

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides to facilitate easy removal later.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until they are uniformly mixed.

      Pour the melted butter into the dry mixture, mixing until it forms a crumbly texture. Reserve about one-third of this mixture for later use, and firmly press the remaining two-thirds into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a solid base.

        In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and half of the caramel sauce. Stir until all the apple pieces are thoroughly coated.

          Evenly spread the cinnamon-apple mixture over the baked crust in the pan, ensuring that the apples are well distributed. Drizzle the remaining half of the caramel sauce generously over the apples.

            Take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the apples and caramel, creating a delicious topping. If desired, add the chopped nuts on top for an added crunch and flavor.

              Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.

                After baking, allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then use the parchment overhang to lift them out of the pan, transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cooled bars on a beautiful serving platter and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an indulgent touch. For an extra special treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making your dessert a delightful experience!