Caramel Apple Bars

It’s mostly all pantry staples here, friends, so you likely have everything you need to whip these up.It’s apple season, so you’ll have your choice of a wide variety of apple options.

I used Gala apples, because they were on sale at the store, but really, any kind of apple works here. You could even use two different kinds to add some complexity to the flavor!

And if you’ve been to the apple orchard already, this is a great use for some of your haul. 

For the Crust:

Melt your butter, and then add some sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract to make the shortbread crust. So much easier than rolling out pie crust!

Just press the dough into the bottom of an 8×8 pan that’s been lined with parchment paper, and spread it evenly. An offset spatula will help you get it into the corners and smoothed out nicely.

Pop the crust into the oven to bake a bit while you make the filling.

For the Apple Filling:

Peel and thinly slice the apples, before tossing them gently in a mixture of flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Layer them across the top of the partially baked shortbread crust.

For the Streusel Topping:

Mix together some old-fashioned oats (not the quick oats– you want the texture of the old-fashioned kind here), with brown sugar, flour, and more cinnamon.

Then use a pastry cutter, a couple of forks, or even your hands, to work in some cold, cubed butter until you have a crumbly mix.

Finally, sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the top of the apples, before popping the whole thing back into the oven to finish baking.

When it comes out, it will already look and smell amazing. But let it cool for about 20 minutes, before putting it into the fridge for a couple of hours. It needs that time to set up, and make sure the layers stay intact when you cut it.

I know, it will be hard to wait, but it will be worth it. I promise.

I cut my bars into 9 even pieces.Look at those beautiful layers! Everything about these bars is delicious, but that shortbread crust is addictive. I’m warning you.

And finally, a little bit of caramel drizzle sends these bars right over the top. Like, waayyyy over.

You can make your own caramel, or just use some in a jar or tub from the store.

Yes, these bars are incredible, but displaying them on this 139 year-old Adams & Co. cake stand practically takes my breath away.

Come visit my blog for the details on this amazing antique cake pedastal that I served my Caramel Apple Bars on.

-Niky @ The House on Silverado