Description
Deliciously gooey salted caramel apple bars layered with buttery shortbread crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a drizzle of caramel, making them the perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for topping)
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, toss diced apples with flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar until well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until crumbly and sprinkle over the apples.
- Crumble remaining shortbread dough over the top as well.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the bars while still warm. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Best served slightly warm with vanilla ice cream.
- Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American