Name: Caramel Apple Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for apples); 30 soft caramels or 1 cup thick caramel sauce; 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (if melting caramels); 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars combine the best parts of apple crisp and caramel apples into a hand-held dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to love. They’re made with pantry staples, require no special equipment, and can be served warm or cold. The soft oat base and streusel topping create the perfect texture, while the caramel adds a decadent twist that makes each bite unforgettable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Unsalted butter (melted)
Apples (peeled, cored, and diced – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
Lemon juice
Soft caramels or caramel sauce
Heavy cream or milk (if using caramels)
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
Press about two-thirds of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
In another bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and a little cinnamon.
Spread the apples evenly over the crust layer.
If using soft caramels, melt them with a splash of cream in the microwave or on the stovetop until smooth. If using caramel sauce, warm slightly for easy drizzling.
Drizzle the caramel over the apples evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the apples and caramel.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the apples are tender.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting to allow them to set.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: About 2 hours

Variations

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra texture.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and vegan caramel sauce or make your own with coconut milk.
Spiced Apple: Add nutmeg, allspice, or clove to the apple layer for a deeper spiced profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store Caramel Apple Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften the caramel and bring back the gooey texture.
Bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for these bars?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, just make sure it’s a thicker caramel sauce so it doesn’t make the bars soggy.

How do I keep the crust from crumbling?

Press it firmly into the pan and make sure your butter is fully melted to help it bind.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish (like 11×15) and increase baking time slightly.

Should I peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples helps them soften more evenly and creates a better texture in the bars.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they store well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Are these bars meant to be served warm or cold?

They’re delicious both ways. Warm for a gooey dessert, or chilled for a firmer, sliceable bar.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the texture may be slightly softer. Rolled oats provide a chewier, crumblier topping.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

Only if you’re keeping them for more than 2 days. Otherwise, room temperature storage is fine.

How do I cut them cleanly?

Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife. For extra clean cuts, chill them for 30 minutes before slicing.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Bars are everything you want in a fall dessert—sweet, spiced, buttery, and loaded with gooey caramel and tender apples. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and full of cozy flavors that bring comfort with every bite. Bake a batch, share them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—you won’t regret it.