
Caramelized Apple Pie Bars: A Simple and Sweet Fall Dessert
Introduction:
Indulge in the perfect fall treat with these Caramelized Apple Pie Bars, a delicious twist on the traditional apple pie. Packed with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples, a buttery and flaky crust, and topped with a caramel glaze, these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon, these bars will bring the warmth and comfort of a homemade apple pie, minus the effort of making a whole pie.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 4-5 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Caramelized Apple Filling:
- 6 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Gala), peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together.
- Press the Dough: Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Set the remaining dough aside for the crumble topping.
Step 2: Make the Caramelized Apple Filling
- Caramelize the Apples: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the sliced apples. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sugar has caramelized, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
- Thicken the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the apple mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
- Layer the Apples: Evenly spread the caramelized apple filling over the crust in the baking pan.
- Add the Crumble Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the apples, covering them with small clumps of dough. This will create a delicious golden topping as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting the bars.
Step 5: Make the Caramel Drizzle
- Prepare the Caramel Drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Drizzle: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the cooled apple pie bars just before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and Serve: Once the bars have cooled slightly, use the parchment paper to lift them from the pan and slice into squares or bars.
- Garnish: For extra flavor, top each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for Success:
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for apples that balance sweetness and tartness, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to create the perfect apple filling.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can make the crust and apple filling a day ahead. Just store them separately and assemble the bars the next day.
- Storage: Store leftover apple pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Why You’ll Love These Caramelized Apple Pie Bars:
- Effortless Apple Pie: Get all the flavors of a traditional apple pie without the hassle of a double crust.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are great for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat after a busy day.
- Irresistible Caramel Flavor: The addition of a caramel drizzle takes these apple pie bars to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Conclusion:
These Caramelized Apple Pie Bars are a delightful and simple way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie without the stress of making a traditional pie. With a buttery crust, sweet caramelized apples, and a drizzle of rich caramel, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them to a crowd or enjoying them on your own, these bars will quickly become a fall favorite!