Caramel Apple Bars

Caramel Apple Bars Recipe - Delicious Dessert with Golden Delicious Apples and Walnuts

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 16

Introduction

Caramel Apple Bars are a delicious and decadent dessert that combines the flavors of sweet caramel, tart apples, and crunchy pecans. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or just as a special treat for yourself.

History

The origins of Caramel Apple Bars are not entirely clear, but they are believed to have been inspired by the classic combination of caramel and apples. This recipe takes that classic flavor pairing and turns it into a portable and easy-to-make dessert.

Ingredients

1.25 cups of all-purpose flour
0.25 cup plus 0.5 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
0.5 cup (1 stick) of butter or margarine
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2 golden delicious apples, cored and chopped
1 cup of caramel candies, each cut in quarters
0.5 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tbsp of sesame seeds
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp of ground nutmeg
0.25 cup of butter or margarine
0.25 cup of melted dairy sour cream or yogurt

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup of flour and 0.25 cup of brown sugar.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it into an even layer on the bottom.
Bake for 10 minutes.
In the same mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla, 0.5 cup of brown sugar, and the remaining 0.25 cup of flour. Stir in the apples, caramels, and nuts.
Pour the mixture over the bottom crust.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden.
Allow it to cool slightly, then cut it into quarters lengthwise and crosswise to make 16 bars.
Let it cool completely.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty flavor contrast.
Substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra decadent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor and texture in these bars.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough and dense texture.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure clean and neat slices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Caramel Apple Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for Caramel Apple Bars is baking. Make sure to preheat your oven and follow the baking times and temperatures closely for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have caramel candies, you can use caramel sauce or dulce de leche instead.

- You can substitute the margarine with butter for a richer flavor.

- Use any variety of apples you prefer in this recipe, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Make Ahead Tips

Caramel Apple Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Caramel Apple Bars on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. You can also drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Caramel Apple Bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting dessert experience. They also go well with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Caramel Apple Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Caramel Apple Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Caramel Apple Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Caramel Apple Bars contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Caramel Apple Bars contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Caramel Apple Bars are a good source of Vitamin C, thanks to the apples. They also contain small amounts of calcium and iron.

Alergens

Caramel Apple Bars contain dairy (butter, yogurt) and nuts (pecans). They may also contain gluten due to the use of all-purpose flour.

Summary

Caramel Apple Bars are a moderately high-calorie dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are a good source of Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

Summary

Caramel Apple Bars are a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the flavors of sweet caramel, tart apples, and crunchy pecans. They are easy to make and perfect for fall gatherings or special occasions. Enjoy these bars as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Caramel Apple Bars. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had just come back from a trip to the city and brought back with her a treasure trove of new recipes she had collected from various places and people.

I remember sitting at the kitchen table, watching as she carefully sifted through the stack of papers, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she came across a recipe for Caramel Apple Bars. It was a simple recipe, but one that seemed to capture the essence of autumn in every bite – a buttery crust topped with sweet, gooey caramel and tart apples, all baked to golden perfection.

As my grandmother read through the recipe, her hands moving deftly as she gathered the ingredients and began to measure them out, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at her skill and knowledge in the kitchen. She had learned to cook from her own mother, who had learned from hers, and so on, passing down the secrets of their family recipes through the generations.

I watched as she peeled and sliced the apples, her hands moving with practiced ease as she arranged them in neat rows on top of the buttery crust. The smell of cinnamon and sugar filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of caramel as she drizzled it over the apples, creating a tantalizing swirl of sweetness.

As she slid the pan into the oven and set the timer, I eagerly waited for the bars to bake, the anticipation building with each passing minute. When they were finally done, she pulled them out of the oven, the golden crust glistening with caramel and the apples soft and fragrant.

I couldn't wait to taste them, and as she cut the bars into squares and placed them on a plate, I took a bite, savoring the buttery crust, the sweet caramel, and the tart apples all mingling together in a symphony of flavors. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – a perfect balance of sweet and tart, rich and buttery, with just a hint of cinnamon and spice.

From that day on, Caramel Apple Bars became a favorite in our household, a recipe that I would make for special occasions and family gatherings. Over the years, I have tweaked and perfected the recipe, adding my own touches here and there to make it truly my own.

But no matter how many times I make them, every time I take a bite of those Caramel Apple Bars, I am transported back to that kitchen table, watching my grandmother work her magic and feeling that same sense of wonder and awe that I felt so many years ago. And I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring us together, to create memories and traditions that will last a lifetime.