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To make Caramel Pecan Apple Pie Bars, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) You can swap some ingredients if needed. For flour, use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Instead of light brown sugar, dark brown sugar works well too. If you want a dairy-free treat, use coconut oil in place of butter. For caramel sauce, you can use a homemade version or a store-bought one to save time. To make these bars, you will need: - A 9x9-inch baking dish - Parchment paper - Large mixing bowl - Whisk or spoon - Wire rack for cooling - Knife for cutting the bars {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for even baking. Then, grab a 9x9-inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt. Mix well until combined. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir until you see coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your lined dish. This forms a solid crust. In another bowl, add 2 cups of peeled and diced apples. Use about 2 medium apples for this. Pour in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This keeps the apples from turning brown. Now, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar over the apples. Toss gently until all apples are coated. Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust. Make sure it covers the whole surface. Next, sprinkle 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans on top. Finally, drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce generously over everything. This adds a sweet and rich flavor. Carefully place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The bars are done when the apples are soft and the crust edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares or bars. For a special treat, drizzle more caramel sauce over the bars before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation! To get a great crust, work the dough gently. Mix the flour, brown sugar, and salt first. After that, add melted butter and vanilla. Stir until it looks like crumbs. Press it firmly into the baking dish. This helps it hold together well. Choose firm apples for baking. I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add a nice tartness to balance the sweet caramel. Make sure to peel and dice them small. This helps them cook evenly and blend well with the filling. To keep your leftover bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. You can also refrigerate them for a week. If you want to save them longer, freeze them. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Pro Tips Use Tart Apples: For the best flavor, opt for tart apple varieties like Granny Smith, as they balance the sweetness of the caramel beautifully. Chill the Dough: After pressing the crust into the pan, chilling it for 15-20 minutes before baking helps it hold its shape better during baking. Customize the Nuts: If you're not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes that still provide a wonderful crunch. Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature. {{image_4}} If you want a twist, try using other nuts. Walnuts or almonds work well in this recipe. They add a different taste and texture. Chopped walnuts give a rich flavor. Sliced almonds add a nice crunch. Feel free to mix nuts for more fun! Switch up the fruit for new flavors. Pears or peaches are great choices. They pair nicely with the caramel and pecans. You can also use mixed berries for a fresh taste. Just remember to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. To make a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free baking mix. The crust may be a bit different, but it will still taste amazing. Combine the gluten-free flour with the same amount of sugar and salt. Follow the same steps to create your crust. Enjoy the same deliciousness without the gluten! Store your Caramel Pecan Apple Pie Bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep the container in the fridge for up to a week. The cool air helps maintain the bars' texture and flavor. To freeze these delicious bars, let them cool completely first. Cut the bars and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds. This makes the caramel gooey and the flavors pop again. Enjoy your bars warm for the best taste! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. I suggest baking them a day or two before you want to serve them. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and soft. If you wish, you can also refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. Check your bars at 30 minutes. The apples should feel soft. The edges of the crust will look lightly golden. If they need more time, check every few minutes until they reach the right color and texture. If you don’t have caramel sauce, try using butterscotch sauce. You can even make a quick homemade caramel using sugar and butter. Another option is to use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor, but it won't taste the same. Yes, you can make these bars vegan! Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter. For the caramel, look for vegan caramel sauces or make your own using coconut milk and sugar. Use a non-dairy milk in place of the butter for an even richer taste. To cut the bars neatly, first let them cool completely. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Dip the knife in hot water, then wipe it dry before cutting. This helps with a smooth finish. Enjoy your beautifully cut bars! We explored how to make tasty Caramel Pecan Apple Pie Bars. You learned about key ingredients, handy substitutions, and needed equipment. I provided step-by-step instructions to make the crust and apple filling. I also shared tips to get that perfect crust and selected the best apples. Lastly, we discussed variations and storage methods. Now, you can bake delicious bars that impress friends and family. Enjoy the process and have fun experimenting!

Caramel Pecan Apple Pie Bars

Delicious apple pie bars topped with caramel and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples (approximately 2 medium apples)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups finely chopped pecans
  • 0.5 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal, allowing some overhang on the sides.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and fine salt until well combined. Gradually pour in the melted butter and pure vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the lined baking dish to create a uniform crust layer.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with the fresh lemon juice to prevent browning. Add ground cinnamon and granulated sugar, tossing gently to ensure all the apples are well-coated.
  • Evenly distribute the apple filling over the prepared crust, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Next, sprinkle the finely chopped pecans evenly on top. Finish by drizzling the caramel sauce generously over the apple and pecan layers.
  • Carefully place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender and the edges of the crust have turned lightly golden.
  • After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Utilize the overhanging parchment paper to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into squares or bars.

Notes

For an extra touch, consider drizzling additional caramel sauce over the bars just before serving.
Keyword apple pie, bars, caramel, dessert, pecans