Description
Perfect for fall! These bars have a buttery shortbread crust, juicy apple filling, and an irresistible oatmeal crumb topping with a drizzle of salted caramel.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Apple Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 4–5 apples)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
For the Topping:
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup oatmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Additional caramel for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Core, peel, and thinly slice the apples to make about 4 cups. In a small bowl, combine the caramel sauce, salt, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour. Stir until smooth. Pour the caramel mixture over the apples and toss gently to coat. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust and press down gently to ensure an even layer.
- Make the Oatmeal Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples and gently press down.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce and sprinkle with a little extra salt if desired. Serve as is, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Using parchment paper helps with easy removal from the pan.
- Let the bars cool fully before cutting for clean edges.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg