Imagine sinking your teeth into a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every single bite—warm, gooey, and bursting with classic autumn flavors. These Caramel Apple Spice Bars are not just a recipe; they're a culinary experience that will transform your kitchen into a cozy haven of deliciousness. With a perfect blend of tender apples, rich caramel, and aromatic spices, these bars are about to become your new seasonal obsession that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the two large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bars tough.
- Fold in the diced apples gently with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the batter. You can use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the bars to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Spice Bars!
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better bar consistency.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender and soft.
- Caramel Swirl Technique: For a beautiful marbled effect, drizzle caramel in zigzag patterns and gently swirl with a toothpick.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices.
- Storage Tip: These bars stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.Bonus Serving Suggestion: Warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 385kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 64mg
