Apple Caramel Bars
Sweet apple caramel bars feature a buttery crust topped with tender diced apples and rich caramel, perfect for dessert lovers and suitable for sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the margarine and shortening; add the brown sugar and flour.
- By hand, stir in oatmeal, salt, and baking soda.
- Reserve 2 cups of the mixture and set aside.
- Pat the remaining mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
- In a bowl, toss the diced apples with 3 tablespoons of flour.
- Spread the prepared apples evenly over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved mixture over the apples to form a topping.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half margarine. If you're out of oatmeal, you can substitute with crushed graham crackers or even quick-cooking oats. To enhance the apple flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the apple mixture. Ensure the apples are well-coated with flour to prevent them from sinking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Caramel Bars can be served warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to any potluck or picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place individual bars in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Caramel Bars contains roughly 602 calories, with 13g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1226mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp will provide a nice balance of flavors. Just be sure to peel and dice them evenly for consistent baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).