Caramel Apple Streusel Bars

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, the season of fall invites us to indulge in comforting desserts that warm both the heart and the home. Among these delightful treats, few desserts can compete with the harmonious combination of caramel and apples. Enter the Caramel Apple Delight Streusel Bars—a dessert that embodies the essence of autumn. These bars are a perfect fusion of tart apples, rich caramel, and a crunchy streusel topping, making them an irresistible option for gatherings, family dinners, or simply a cozy night in.

Embrace the flavors of fall with Caramel Apple Delight Streusel Bars! This delicious recipe combines tart apples, gooey caramel, and a crunchy streusel topping to create a heartwarming dessert that's perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Learn how to select the best apples, achieve the perfect streusel texture, and add a sweet drizzle to elevate your treat. Follow our step-by-step instructions to craft this irresistible dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Streusel Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Drizzle:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

Prepare the Apple Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Set aside to marinate for about 15 minutes.

Preheat the Oven:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Make the Streusel Topping:

- In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until combined.

- Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture is crumbly and resembles wet sand. Set aside 1 cup of the streusel mixture for topping, and use the rest to create the base layer.

Assemble the Bars:

- Press the remaining streusel mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.

- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.

Add the Remaining Streusel:

- Crumble the reserved one cup of streusel over the apples, covering them evenly.

Bake:

- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbly.

Cool and Drizzle:

- Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.

Cut into Bars:

- Lift the edges of the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Cut into squares and serve.

Store the Leftovers:

- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 25 minutes | 1 hour | 16 bars