Best 2 Southern Caramel Apple Bars Recipes

Indulge in the sweet symphony of Southern Caramel Apple Bars, a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn's bounty. These delectable bars feature a buttery crust, a layer of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a luscious caramel topping that will tantalize your taste buds. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, these bars are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones.

But the journey doesn't end there. This article presents a diverse collection of delectable apple-centric recipes that will elevate your baking repertoire. Discover the charm of Apple Cider Donut Muffins, a delightful morning treat infused with the warm flavors of apple cider and cinnamon sugar. Experience the rustic elegance of Apple Slab Pie, a classic dessert featuring layers of flaky crust and tender apples, topped with a golden brown streusel. And for a unique twist, try the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bites, a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Each recipe is carefully crafted to showcase the versatility of apples, offering a range of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Here are our top 2 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

Ingredients

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.

SOUTHERN CARAMEL APPLE BARS

Southern Caramel Apple Bars image

Make and share this Southern Caramel Apple Bars recipe from Food.com.

Provided by RecipeNut

Categories Bar Cookie

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 dozen

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2/3 cup butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 granny smith apples, peeled and very coarsely chopped
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
24 caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tablespoons milk

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F Grease 13X9-mch baking dish.
Whisk flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda in medium bowl. Melt butter in medium saucepan. Remove from heat; stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar with spoon. Add egg and vanilla; stir until well blended. Add flour mixture; mix well. Press into bottom of prepared baking dish; top with apples.
Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until edges are browned and pulling away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
Toast pecans in medium nonstick skillet over medium- high heat 2 minutes, stirring constantly, or until fragrant. Remove from skillet; set aside. Wipe out skillet with paper towel. Heat caramels and milk in same skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until melted and smooth.
Drizzle caramel sauce over cooled apple bars; sprinkle with pecans. Let stand 30 minutes before cutting into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 2350.3, Fat 95.6, SaturatedFat 45, Cholesterol 279.1, Sodium 2381.2, Carbohydrate 362.4, Fiber 12.6, Sugar 239.3, Protein 26

Tips:

Prep Apples Properly: Core and slice the apples thinly and evenly for uniform baking and consistent texture.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor and prevents the apples from browning.
Combine Cinnamon and Sugar: Cinnamon and sugar create a classic flavor combination that complements the apples perfectly.
Chill Caramel Mixture: Chilling the caramel mixture before spreading helps it set properly and prevents it from becoming too runny.
Use a 9x13 Inch Baking Pan: A 9x13 inch baking pan provides ample space for the apple mixture and caramel topping.
Bake until Center is Set: Bake the bars until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure they hold their shape.
Garnish with Powdered Sugar: Dusting the bars with powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a professional finishing touch.

Conclusion:

The Southern Caramel Apple Bars recipe offers a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures. With a buttery crust, tender apples, and a rich caramel topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're entertaining guests, attending a potluck, or simply craving a homemade treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the sweet and satisfying taste of fall with this delicious and easy-to-make dessert!