Desserts
Caramel Apple Bars
Description
Caramel apple bars start with a brown sugar oat base, then baked apples, gooey caramel, and a cinnamon crumble are layered on top. Bliss!
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus 3 tablespoons), divided
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups peeled diced firm apples such as Granny Smith (about 2 large or 3 medium)
- ½ cup homemade or store-bought caramel sauce try with this vegan caramel sauce
Directions
- Place rack in center of your oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8-inch x 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, 1 cup all purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, all-spice, and nutmeg. Add the butter in small pieces, then quickly work it in with your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the caramel and remaining 3 tablespoons of flour. Set aside.
- Press 2/3 of the crumbs into the prepared baking dish and evenly arrange the sliced apples over top. Then evenly pour the caramel over the top of the apples and sprinkle with the remaining crumbs.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until top is lightly browned. Let the bars cool completely before cutting—or serve very messy, very delicious bars immediately.
