Description
Buttery Apple Bars Drizzled with Rich Caramel and Crunchy Pecan Streusel
Recipe
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups peeled, diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
½ cup brown sugar
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Streusel:
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
10 minutes
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5 minutes
In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3 minutes
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
2 minutes
Fold in the flour mixture until just combined.
2-3 minutes
Spread half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Toss diced apples with brown sugar and nutmeg, then layer over the dough.
3 minutes
Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer.
2 minutes
Crumble remaining dough over the apples and caramel.
Combine streusel ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly on top.
3 minutes
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and apples are tender.
45 minutes
Let bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
20 minutes
Optional: Drizzle additional caramel over the top before serving for extra gooeyness.
2 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 16 bars
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect bars. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
Press exactly half of this dough into the bottom of your prepared pan using slightly damp hands. In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar and nutmeg, then spread this mixture evenly over the base layer. Drizzle the ½ cup of caramel sauce over the apples. For the top layer, take small pieces of the remaining dough and drop them unevenly over the apples to create a crumbled, cobblestone-like effect. Finally, mix the streusel ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle the crunchy pecan mixture over everything. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own but can be elevated for special occasions. Serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a brunch or coffee gathering, dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar. Pair them with a hot cup of spiced chai, strong coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. They also make a fantastic packaged gift during the holidays—simply wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with twine.
How-to Summary
In summary, these Buttery Apple Bars are made by creating a simple dough, pressing half into a pan, layering with spiced apples and caramel, topping with the remaining crumbled dough and a pecan streusel, and baking until golden. The key steps are creaming the butter and sugar well, not overmixing the dough, and allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! For the best texture and flavor, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet caramel.
2. How should I store these bars, and how long do they last?
Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
3. Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans from the streusel topping. You can replace them with an extra ¼ cup of rolled oats for a similar crumbly texture.
4. My dough seems too sticky to crumble for the top layer. What should I do?
This is common. Place the bowl of remaining dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up. You can then use your fingers or a spoon to create uneven clumps more easily.
5. Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and the apple filling separately up to a day in advance. Keep the dough covered in the fridge and the tossed apples in a separate container in the fridge. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Overly Soft Butter: Butter should be softened to room temperature but not melted or greasy. This ensures proper creaming and a good dough structure.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough bars.
- Skipping the Cool-Down: Cutting into the bars while they are still warm will cause them to fall apart. Let them cool completely in the pan to set properly.
- Uneven Apple Dice: Cut your apples into uniform, ½-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly and every bite has the perfect texture.
Conclusion
These Buttery Apple Bars with Caramel and Pecan Streusel are the ultimate fall dessert, combining comforting flavors and textures in every bite. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve bakery-worthy results. Whether served as a simple treat or dressed up for a gathering, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Happy baking!