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Dessert bars have become a staple in the world of sweet treats, combining the best elements of traditional pies and cake while offering a portable and easy-to-serve option. Their popularity continues to grow, especially during the fall when comforting flavors and seasonal ingredients take center stage. Among the myriad of dessert bar recipes, Sweet Harvest Caramel Apple Pie Bars stand out as an irresistible choice. These bars encapsulate the essence of autumn with their rich flavors and delightful textures, making them the perfect treat for gatherings, picnics, or cozy evenings at home.

Caramel Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping

Indulge in the essence of autumn with Sweet Harvest Caramel Apple Pie Bars! These delicious dessert bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with tender spiced apple filling, topped with rich caramel sauce. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, their delightful textures and flavors are sure to impress. Learn how to achieve a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, making each bite a satisfying experience. These bars are a must-try fall treat!
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Ingredients
  

For the Apple Filling:

4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

For the Crumble Topping:

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the Caramel Drizzle:

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal later.

    Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss the ingredients together until the apples are well-coated and the sugar is dissolved. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld as you prepare the crust.

      Make the Crust: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly mixed. Pour in the melted butter and add the egg. Stir until the mixture forms a slightly crumbly dough. Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the greased or lined baking dish to create your crust.

        Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the next layer.

          Add the Apple Filling: Evenly spread the prepared apple filling over the pre-baked crust, making sure to distribute it uniformly for even cooking.

            Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the old-fashioned oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter to the mixture and use a fork or your fingers to combine everything until it reaches a crumbly, sandy texture. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple filling.

              Bake the Bars: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes. The crumble should turn a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling should bubble around the edges.

                Cool and Drizzle: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let the pie bars cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to set. Once they have cooled, drizzle the bars generously with caramel sauce for a sweet finish.

                  Serve: Slice the cooled pie into bars and serve them warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                      25 minutes | 1 hour | 12 servings

                        Optional: Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a rustic wooden platter, drizzled with additional caramel sauce, and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few apple slices for a seasonal touch. Enjoy!