Description
Delight in these Caramel Apple Pecan Bars, a perfect blend of tender apples, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a buttery oat crust. This easy-to-make dessert balances sweet and tart flavors with a pleasant cinnamon warmth, making it ideal for cozy afternoons or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cups rolled oats
Filling
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and diced)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the rolled oats. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the pressed dough in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it turns lightly golden, which helps to set the base for the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, butter, and ground cinnamon until well combined. The butter should be softened to evenly coat the apples.
- Assemble the Bars: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Then, spoon the caramel sauce over the apples and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly, ensuring all layers meld beautifully.
- Cool the Bars: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least one hour. This cooling time helps them set properly for cutting.
- Serve: Cut the bars into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
Notes
- For a crisper crust, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor, but you can use any apple variety you prefer.
- If a sweeter bar is desired, drizzle additional caramel sauce over each serving before serving.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
- Reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy them warm.
