Description
These easy caramel apple bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a soft apple-cinnamon filling, and a sweet caramel glaze. They are the ultimate fall comfort food that is simple to make, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for bake sales or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium apples (about 450g), peeled and diced (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, salt, and cold cubed butter. Work butter into flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch until well coated.
- Pour the apple mixture over the hot crust and spread evenly.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes until edges are bubbly and apples are tender.
- While bars bake, make the glaze: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Let bars cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Spread glaze evenly over the warm bars.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
For clean cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for an hour before slicing. The bars improve with time and taste best on day two. If using canned apples, drain and pat dry thoroughly to avoid soggy bars. Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before sprinkling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: caramel apple bars, fall dessert, easy baking, apple bars, shortbread crust, make ahead dessert, autumn treats