Best 9 Caramel Apple Crunch Bars Recipes

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Indulge in the delightful symphony of flavors and textures that is Caramel Apple Crunch Bars. These delectable treats feature a buttery shortbread crust, a layer of sweet and tangy apples, and a decadent caramel topping, all finished with a sprinkle of crunchy oats. With a perfect balance of chewy, crispy, and gooey, these bars are an irresistible indulgence that will tantalize your taste buds.

This recipe article provides three variations of Caramel Apple Crunch Bars to suit your preferences:

**Classic Caramel Apple Crunch Bars:** This traditional version features a classic shortbread crust, Granny Smith apples, and a homemade caramel sauce.

**Salted Caramel Apple Crunch Bars:** For those who love a touch of salty-sweet, this variation incorporates a luscious salted caramel sauce, adding a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the apples.

**Peanut Butter Caramel Apple Crunch Bars:** Peanut butter lovers rejoice! This version combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and caramel with chopped peanuts for an extra layer of texture and richness.

Each recipe includes detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and helpful tips to guide you through the baking process. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find everything you need to create these delectable bars. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

CARAMEL APPLE BARS



Caramel Apple Bars image

These bars make an excellent fall dessert. We like to warm individual servings in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It quickly became a family favorite; maybe it'll become one of your family's, too. -Carol Stuber, Osawatomie, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup packed brown sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional
FILLING:
4-1/2 cups coarsely chopped peeled tart apples
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 package (11 ounces) caramels
3 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter, shortening and brown sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add flour, oats, salt and baking soda; mix well. If desired, stir in pecans. Set aside 2 cups. Press remaining oat mixture into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking pan. , For filling, toss apples with flour; spoon over the crust. In a saucepan, melt the caramels and butter over low heat; drizzle over apples. Top with the reserved oat mixture. , Bake at 400° until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Cool before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 18mg cholesterol, Sodium 241mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PIE BARS



Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars image

Baking apple pie as bars is so much easier!

Provided by Sally

Categories     Bars

Time 3h20m

Number Of Ingredients 16

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
2 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced (1/4 inch thick)*
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup (40g) old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup (70g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
homemade salted caramel or store-bought caramel sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper leaving enough overhang on all sides. Set aside.
  • Stir the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt together in a medium bowl. Add the flour and stir until everything is combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes and then remove from the oven. (As the crust bakes, you can prepare the filling and streusel.)
  • Combine the sliced apples, flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large bowl until all of the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
  • Whisk the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour together in a medium bowl. Cut in the chilled butter with a pastry blender or two forks (or even with your hands) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
  • Turn the oven up to 350°F (177°C). Evenly layer the apples on top of the warm crust. It will look like there are too many apple slices, so layer them tightly and press them down to fit. Sprinkle the apple layer with streusel and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the streusel is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Lift the foil or parchment out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into bars. I usually cut them into 16 smaller bars, but you can cut them into 12 larger bars. Once cut, drizzle some salted caramel sauce on top of each. These apple pie bars can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even cold.

CARAMEL APPLE CRISP BARS



Caramel Apple Crisp Bars image

This easy-to-make, easy-to-eat caramel apple crisp bar recipe is the epitome of spicy, caramel-kissed goodness.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Home

Time 1h

Yield 32 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
1-1/4 cups flour, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 pkg. (11 oz.) KRAFT Caramels
2 Tbsp. milk
2 large apples, chopped (about 2 cups)

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350ºF.
  • Line 13x9-inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides; spray with cooking spray. Mix oats, 1 cup flour, baking soda and spices until blended.
  • Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in flour mixture until blended. Reserve 1 cup oat mixture; press remaining onto bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 min.
  • Meanwhile, microwave caramels and milk in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min. or until caramels are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 30 sec. Stir in remaining flour.
  • Sprinkle apples over crust; drizzle with caramel sauce. Crumble remaining oat mixture over caramel sauce.
  • Bake 20 to 25 min. or until golden brown. Cool completely. Use foil handles to lift dessert from pan before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 160, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 125 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 2 g

CARAMEL APPLE CRUNCH BARS



CARAMEL APPLE CRUNCH BARS image

I know this recipe has the same title as Tammy Wades, but the ingredients are different. Credit for this recipe goes to Marzetti's.

Provided by Judy W

Categories     Other Desserts

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 16 oz. tub marzetti's caramel dip
1-1/2 c a.p. flour
1-3/4 c quick cooking oats
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 c butter, softened
1/4 c shortening
1/2 c packed brown sugar
4-1/2 c favorite apples, peeled and chopped

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 400^. In a mixing bowl combine flour, oats, salt & baking soda. In a large mixing bowl, blend together butter, shortening & sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add dry mixture & blend to form a crumbly mixture.
  • 2. Measure & set aside 2 cups crumbs. Press remaining crumbs into a 9x13 pan. Spread apples in an even layer over crust.
  • 3. Transfer the caramel dip to a microwave safe bowl & microwave for 30-40 seconds or until warm. Stir until smooth. Pour over apples & sprinkle remaining crumbs over all. Bake on middle rack of oven for 25-30 minutes or until top is golden brown & apples are tender. Store, covered, in refrigerator

CARAMEL APPLE CRUNCH



Caramel Apple Crunch image

I combined ingredients from various apple crisp recipes to create this one. I like to use tart apples because they provide a balance to the sweetness of the caramels. -Melissa Williams, Peoria, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h10m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 cups sliced peeled tart apples
33 caramels, divided
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons 2% milk, divided
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dash ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
Vanilla ice cream, optional

Steps:

  • Place the apples in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. In a heavy saucepan, melt 25 caramels with 2 tablespoons milk, stirring often; drizzle over apples. , In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, walnuts, salt and cinnamon; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over apples. , Bake at 375° for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a heavy saucepan, melt remaining caramels with remaining milk, stirring often until smooth. Drizzle over dessert and ice cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 133mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (31g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

BEST EVER CARAMEL APPLE CRISP



Best Ever Caramel Apple Crisp image

When our class visited an apple farm this fall, we realized that we all shared a common love apples dipped in caramel. We created this really easy dessert that the whole family can enjoy.

Provided by St Matthew First Graders

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Apple Dessert Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

5 large Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
½ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ cup water
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup butter, softened
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 F (175 degree C).
  • In a medium size bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water; spread evenly into a 8x8 inch pan. In another bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter; spoon mixture evenly over apples.
  • In a heavy sauce pan over low heat, melt the caramels with the evaporated milk. Heat , stirring frequently, until mixture has a smooth consistency. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the crumble.
  • Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes (apple mixture will bubble and topping will be golden brown).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 502.2 calories, Carbohydrate 80.8 g, Cholesterol 46.3 mg, Fat 19.5 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 5.3 g, SaturatedFat 11.2 g, Sodium 208.3 mg, Sugar 57.9 g

CARAMEL APPLE BARS II



Caramel Apple Bars II image

A fall favorite with baked apples and gooey caramel. A great rainy day project!

Provided by Christine

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Apple Dessert Recipes

Yield 48

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups quick cooking oats
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ¼ cups butter, melted
2 cups apples - peeled, cored and sliced
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 ½ cups caramel ice cream topping
½ cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 15x10 inch jellyroll pan.
  • In a large bowl, combine the flour, quick cooking oats, brown sugar, and baking soda. Stir in the melted butter. Mix until crumbly. This is the crust. Press 1/2 of this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes in preheated oven.
  • In a small pan, over medium heat combine the caramel topping and the remaining 1/2 cup of flour. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. This is the caramel filling.
  • Spread apple slices evenly over the baked crust. Sprinkle on the nuts. Then Pour the caramel filling over the apple layer. Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the top of everything. Bake again for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 141.2 calories, Carbohydrate 21.5 g, Cholesterol 12.8 mg, Fat 5.9 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 3.2 g, Sodium 98.1 mg, Sugar 7.2 g

CONTEST-WINNING CARAMEL APPLE CRISP



Contest-Winning Caramel Apple Crisp image

When my kids and I make apple crisp, we use all sorts of apples to boost the flavor and texture. Add melted caramels, and you've got something scrumptious. -Michelle Brooks, Clarkston, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 cups old-fashioned oats
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup cold butter, cubed
8 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples
1 package (14 ounces) caramels, halved
1 cup apple cider, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon; cut in butter until crumbly. Press half the mixture into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer half of each of the following: apples, caramels and remaining oat mixture. Repeat layers. Drizzle 1/2 cup cider over top., Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes. Drizzle with remaining cider; bake until apples are tender, 15-20 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 564 calories, Fat 20g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 213mg sodium, Carbohydrate 94g carbohydrate (59g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

CARAMEL APPLE BARS



Caramel Apple Bars image

Do you have extra apples but don't feel like making a pie? Try this easy-to-make bar with layers of brown sugar and oats surrounding apples and melted caramel.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 50m

Yield 36

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 1/2 cups coarsely chopped peeled tart apples (3 medium)
3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
1 bag (14 ounces) caramels

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Mix brown sugar, butter and shortening in large bowl. Stir in 1 3/4 cups flour, the oats, salt and baking soda. Reserve 2 cups oat mixture; press remaining oat mixture in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.
  • Toss apples and 3 tablespoons flour; spread over mixture in pan. Heat caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted; pour evenly over apples. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture; press lightly.
  • Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. For 36 bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows while warm. Store covered in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 145, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 10 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 130 mg

Tips:

  • For the perfect caramel layer, use a heavy-bottomed saucepan and stir constantly to prevent burning.
  • To make the caramel layer extra smooth, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it onto the crust.
  • If you don't have a rolling pin, you can use a wine bottle or even a glass to roll out the dough.
  • To make the bars easier to cut, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  • For a fun variation, try using different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Conclusion:

Caramel apple crunch bars are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their sweet and gooey caramel layer, crunchy oat topping, and juicy apples, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a dessert that is both delicious and satisfying, give caramel apple crunch bars a try. You won't be disappointed!

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