There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm caramel and baked apples drifting through the kitchen—it’s the scent of fall wrapped in comfort. These Caramel Apple Bars are everything you love about caramel apples but in an easier, shareable form.
They have a buttery oatmeal crust, gooey caramel filling, and tender chunks of apple in every bite. Perfect for cozy family gatherings, bake sales, or an after-dinner treat by the fire. You don’t need fancy ingredients or expert skills—just a few pantry staples and a sweet tooth!
Recipe Info
| Field | Info |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert / Bars |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 12 bars |
| Calories | ~280 kcal per serving |
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust and Topping:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Apple Caramel Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 (14 oz) bag soft caramels (or homemade caramel sauce)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later. - Make the crust:
In a large bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until crumbly and well combined. - Form the base:
Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes to set. - Prepare the caramel apple layer:
While the crust bakes, toss the diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with heavy cream, stirring until smooth and creamy. - Assemble the bars:
Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the baked crust. Scatter the spiced apples on top, then sprinkle with the remaining oat mixture. - Bake:
Return to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly. - Cool and slice:
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. (For cleaner slices, chill them for about 30 minutes first.)
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Type of apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work beautifully—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel.
- No caramels? You can use 1 cup of thick caramel sauce instead—store-bought or homemade.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Reheat tip: Warm a bar for 10 seconds in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!
Recipe Variations
- Salted Caramel Apple Bars: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty finish.
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil and dairy-free caramel for a vegan-friendly treat.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own, but if you want to take them over the top:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel.
- Add whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for an elegant dessert plate.
- Pair with hot apple cider or coffee for a cozy fall afternoon.
Conclusion
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a fall party, or just a cozy weekend treat, these Caramel Apple Bars bring that nostalgic, homemade warmth to every bite. Easy to make, beautifully sweet, and full of cozy flavor—they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.