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Homemade Apple Oat Bars

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:05:53 GMT Irresistible Desserts
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Casey, recipe creator at Cooking with Casey
By Casey

Casey shares simple, delicious recipes and inspiring stories, making cooking fun and accessible for all.

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:05:53 GMT

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A close-up image of layered apple crumble bars topped with oats, with a whole yellow apple in the background. Pin it
A close-up image of layered apple crumble bars topped with oats, with a whole yellow apple in the background.

These Caramel Apple Bars are my go-to fall recipe when I'm craving something cozy and delicious. The combination of tender spiced apples nestled between buttery oatmeal layers and drizzled with salted caramel sauce makes my kitchen smell amazing. Best part is you don't even need a mixer to make these beauties.

Why I Love These Apple Bars

I created this recipe for busy bakers who want apple pie flavor without the fuss. The oatmeal cookie base adds such a wonderful texture and that caramel drizzle takes it over the top. When I serve these warm with vanilla ice cream everyone asks for seconds. It's become my signature fall dessert that friends always request.

Everything You Need

  • Flour: Regular all purpose works perfectly here. I've tested gluten free flour too and it turns out great.
  • Oats: Grab the old fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats just don't give the same hearty texture.
  • Brown sugar: Light or dark both work. Dark gives a deeper molasses flavor I love.
  • Baking soda: Just a bit helps create the perfect texture.
  • Salt: Trust me this makes the sweet flavors pop.
  • Butter: I use unsalted and melt it to make mixing super easy.
  • Vanilla: Pure vanilla makes the crust taste amazing.
  • Apples: You'll need about 2 1/2 cups peeled and diced. I love Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
  • Lemon juice: Keeps those apples looking fresh.
  • Sugar: Regular granulated for the filling.
  • Cinnamon: Nothing says fall like cinnamon and apples.
  • Starch: This keeps your filling from getting runny.
  • Salted caramel sauce: Make it ahead to save time.

Let's Bake Together

Start with the Base:
Mix your dry ingredients in a bowl then pour in that melted butter and vanilla. Save about 3/4 cup for the top then press the rest into your pan. Bake at 350°F until golden and let it cool.
Prep Those Apples:
Toss your diced apples with lemon juice sugar cinnamon and starch until they're all coated.
Layer it Up:
Spread those sweet apples over your crust drizzle with caramel and sprinkle that reserved crumble on top.
Time to Bake:
Pop it back in at 350°F for about 40 minutes until everything's golden and bubbly. Let it cool completely.
The Final Touch:
Chill in your freezer briefly then slice into squares. Add an extra drizzle of caramel before serving.

My Baking Secrets

Want to know my tricks for perfect bars? Always let that crust cool down first and pick firm apples that hold their shape. Don't skip the chilling step before cutting them it makes such a difference. I usually make my caramel sauce ahead when I have time during the week.

A close-up of a slice of apple crumble dessert topped with oats and fresh apple slices, sitting on a white surface with a drizzle of syrup.
A close-up of a slice of apple crumble dessert topped with oats and fresh apple slices, sitting on a white surface with a drizzle of syrup.

Keeping Them Fresh

Keep your bars in an airtight container in the fridge they'll stay perfect for 3 days. I love warming up a square in the microwave when I need a sweet treat but they're just as good cold straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Yes, you can use any baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Mixing different varieties adds more depth to the flavor and texture.

How do I store these bars?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving for the best taste and texture.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

These bars can be made 2-3 days ahead. Store them in the fridge and add the final caramel drizzle just before serving.

Why chill the bars before cutting?

Chilling helps firm up the layers, making it easier to get clean cuts. The caramel and filling will be less likely to stick to your knife.

Can I freeze these apple bars?

Yes, wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.

4.28 from 257 votes

Caramel Apple Oat Bars

Prep Time:
20 Minutes
Cook Time:
55 Minutes
Total Time:
75 Minutes
Servings:
16
A close-up image of layered apple crumble bars topped with oats, with a whole yellow apple in the background.
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Sweet and buttery apple bars layered with caramel and topped with oatmeal crumble. A perfect fall dessert that brings together the best of apple pie and crisp.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (175g).
  • 1 cup rolled oats (84g).
  • 3/4 cup light or dark brown sugar (150g).
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (140g).
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract (6g).
  • 2 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (300g).
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g).
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons arrowroot starch or cornstarch (12g).
  • 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce.

Instructions

1.

1. Preheat: Heat oven to 350°F and line 8-inch square pan with parchment.

2.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.

3.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add melted butter and vanilla, mix well.

4.

4. Set Aside Topping: Set aside 3/4 cup dough for topping (keep chilled).

5.

5. Prepare Crust: Press remaining dough into pan and bake crust for 14-16 minutes until golden.

6.

6. Cool Crust: Cool crust for 15 minutes.

7.

7. Prepare Apples: Mix apples with lemon juice.

8.

8. Mix Filling: Combine sugar, cinnamon, and starch, then mix with apples.

9.

9. Assemble Layers: Layer apple mix over crust and pour 1/4 cup caramel sauce over apples.

10.

10. Add Topping: Crumble reserved dough on top.

11.

11. Finish Baking: Bake for 40-42 minutes until golden.

12.

12. Cool Completely: Cool completely, chill 10 minutes in freezer before cutting.

13.

13. Cut And Drizzle: Cut into squares and drizzle remaining caramel.

Notes

  1. Perfect fall dessert that combines the flavors of apple pie with an oatmeal cookie crust.
  2. Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and oats.
  3. Recipe can be doubled for a 9x13 inch pan.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8-inch square baking pan.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Wire cooling rack.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 2 g