Caramel Apple Dessert Bars for Fall or Anytime

Caramel apple dessert bars are one of those treats that taste like a warm hug.

Imagine layers of buttery shortbread, cinnamon-spiced apples, and gooey caramel — all in one bite.

These bars bring together the best parts of apple pie and caramel candy, with less fuss and more shareable squares.

I prefer using tart apples like Granny Smith because they balance out the sweetness from the caramel, and I recommend a simple stovetop sauté to soften the apples before baking.

Whether you’re baking for autumn potlucks or just craving something nostalgic, these bars deliver cozy flavor in every chewy bite.

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Recipe Overview

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Ingredients

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Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives in Brackets)

• Mixing bowls (or deep containers)
• 8×8 inch baking pan (or 9×9 for thinner bars)
• Medium skillet (or saucepan)
• Parchment paper (or greased foil)
• Knife and cutting board
• Rubber spatula (or spoon)
• Oven
• Measuring cups/spoons (or digital kitchen scale)

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How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Bars

This recipe has three parts: crust, apple filling, and caramel drizzle. Here’s the full process, broken down.

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Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper and leave a bit hanging over the edges for easy removal.

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Step 2: Make the Crust and Crumble

In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the texture becomes crumbly.

Press ¾ of this mixture into the bottom of the pan. Reserve the rest for topping.

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Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 12–14 minutes until the edges start turning golden. While it bakes, prepare the apples.

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Step 4: Sauté the Apples

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped apples with a splash of butter and a pinch of cinnamon.

Stir occasionally until they soften slightly — about 4–5 minutes. Set aside.

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Step 5: Make the Caramel Sauce

Melt the caramels and cream together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Keep warm.

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Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Remove the crust from the oven. Spread the sautéed apples evenly over it. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, then sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–22 minutes until the top is golden.

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Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool for at least 1 hour in the pan. Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes before slicing for the cleanest edges.

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Decoration & Serving Tips

• Dust with cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar
• Add a light caramel drizzle after baking
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• Top with crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch

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Variations to Try

• Salted Caramel Apple Bars: Sprinkle sea salt on top after baking
• Apple-Pear Combo: Use half chopped pears with apples
• Streusel Finish: Mix chopped nuts into the topping for extra texture
• Apple Pie Bars: Use spiced apples and skip the caramel

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Storing Tips

• Store at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months

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Extra Tips

• Don’t skip par-baking the crust — it prevents sogginess
• Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape best
• If caramel thickens while assembling, reheat gently before pouring
• Use parchment for easy lifting and cleaner slices

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Common Mistakes & Fixes

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Let’s Bake and Share These Caramel Apple Dessert Bars

Caramel apple dessert bars have all the fall flavor you crave, with warm cinnamon apples and rich caramel in a handheld bite.

Try this recipe and let me know how they turn out for you!