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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 cup caramel sauce - 1 tablespoon lemon juice To make these caramel apple crisp bars, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role. - Flour and oats: These form the base and topping. They give structure and texture. - Brown sugar: This sweetens the mixture and adds a rich flavor. - Baking powder and soda: These help the bars rise. They create a light texture. - Salt: This enhances the sweetness and balances flavors. - Butter: It binds everything together and adds richness. - Apples: Use fresh, crisp apples. They provide the main flavor. - Granulated sugar and cinnamon: These sweeten the apples and bring warmth. - Caramel sauce: This is the star! It adds a gooey, sweet layer. - Lemon juice: This brightens the apple flavor and keeps them fresh. - 9x13-inch baking dish - Mixing bowls - Parchment paper - Wire rack Gather these tools before you start. A baking dish helps shape the bars. Mixing bowls are great for combining ingredients. Parchment paper makes clean-up easy. A wire rack cools the bars evenly. With the right tools, you’ll make these bars like a pro! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. - In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, and 1 cup of brown sugar. - Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. - Pour in 1 cup of melted unsalted butter and stir well. This mixture should be crumbly. - Set aside 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. - Take the remaining oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. - In a separate bowl, combine 4 cups of diced apples with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. - Spread the apple mix evenly over the crust. - Drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the apples. - Finally, sprinkle the reserved oat mixture on top to add a crunchy layer. - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. - Look for a golden brown top and bubbly apple filling. - Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. - Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and cut them into squares. To cut the bars cleanly, let them cool completely. Use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. This helps keep the edges neat. When choosing apples, pick firm ones like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape and add a nice tartness. These bars taste amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs well with the warm bars. For an extra treat, drizzle more caramel sauce on top. It adds sweetness and looks beautiful. Avoid overmixing the crust. This can make it tough instead of crumbly. Mix just until combined for the best texture. Do not underbake the bars. You want the top to be golden brown and the filling bubbly. If they are underbaked, they may fall apart. {{image_2}} You can make these bars even better by adding some flavor. Try mixing in nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add crunch and taste. Just chop them up and stir them into the oat mixture. Another option is to include dried fruits. Chopped dried apples or cranberries bring extra sweetness and chewiness. Both choices make your caramel apple crisp bars unique and delightful. If you want to change the sweetness, consider using maple syrup or honey. Both options give a different taste. They also make the bars a bit softer. Lower-sugar options are also available. You can use coconut sugar or stevia. These swaps can help cut calories while still keeping the bars yummy. For those who need gluten-free treats, you can still enjoy these bars. Substitute regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour. Both work well and keep the texture nice. Also, be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. This step ensures your bars are safe for anyone with gluten issues. Enjoy every bite without worry! To keep your caramel apple crisp bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps the bars stay moist and flavorful. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Cut them into squares and place parchment paper between layers. Then, store them in a freezer-safe bag. At room temperature, these bars last about three days. If you keep them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Storing whole bars helps them stay fresh longer. Once cut, they may dry out a bit faster, so enjoy them quickly! To reheat the bars without losing texture, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes. If you're in a hurry, the microwave is an option. Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds. However, the oven gives you a better result. It keeps the topping nice and crisp. Yes, you can easily make these bars vegan. Instead of unsalted butter, use coconut oil or vegan butter. For eggs, you can use flaxseed meal or applesauce. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This mix works great as an egg substitute. I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples. Good options include Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness. You can also use Fuji or Braeburn apples. These varieties hold their shape and add great flavor to the bars. Yes, making caramel sauce at home is simple! You need just three ingredients: sugar, butter, and cream. Start by heating one cup of sugar in a pot over medium heat. Stir until it melts and turns golden brown. Then, add 6 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted. Finally, slowly mix in half a cup of heavy cream. Let it cool before drizzling over the apple layer. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling apple filling. The edges should pull away slightly from the pan. If you gently shake the pan, the center should not jiggle. This means your bars are ready to come out of the oven. Let them cool completely before slicing. These apple caramel oat bars are simple and fun to make. You learned about the key ingredients and kitchen tools you need. We walked through easy steps to bake the bars perfectly. Don't forget the tips for cutting and serving. You can even explore variations for extra flavor. Incorporating your favorite twists keeps the recipe fresh. Enjoy making these delicious bars, and feel free to share your creations! Baking should be fun, so get started today!

Caramel Apple Crisp Bars with Oat Topping

Indulge in the delightful taste of Caramel Apple Crisp Bars with this easy recipe! Enjoy layers of sweet, spiced apples topped with a buttery oat crumble and finished with a drizzle of caramel. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert at home, these bars are sure to please everyone. Click through to discover how to make these delicious treats that will have your friends begging for the recipe!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 medium apples)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

    Make the Crust/Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until combined. The mixture will be crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping.

      Press the Base: Take the remaining oat mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid layer.

        Prepare Apples: In another bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish.

          Add Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apples.

            Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the top of the apples and caramel. This will create a crumbly topping that adds texture.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly.

                Cool and Cut: Once done, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and cut into squares.

                  Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 12 bars

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an indulgent treat!