Decadent Caramel Apple Crumble Bars
Indulge in these Decadent Caramel Apple Crumble Bars, a delightful combination of moistness and sweetness that will have you begging for more. Made with fresh, grated apples, these bars are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to make. The caramel frosting adds a rich and creamy touch, perfectly complementing the warm spices and the tartness of the apples. Perfect as an afternoon snack with your coffee or as a crowd-pleasing dessert at any gathering, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Whether you enjoy them frosted or simply dusted with powdered sugar, every bite will leave you smacking your lips and asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/3 cup (softened)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (plain)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
egg
1 (beaten)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (plain)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (plain)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (plain)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (plain)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
apples
2 cups (grated)
brown sugar (for frosting)
1 cup (packed)
butter (for frosting)
4 tablespoons (plain)
milk
1/4 cup (plain)
powdered sugar
3 tablespoons (sifted)
pecans
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
2
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Incorporate the beaten egg and vanilla extract into the mixture, stirring until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6
Fold in the grated apples until evenly distributed in the batter.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
While the bars are baking, prepare the caramel frosting: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
10
Allow the mixture to boil for 2.5 minutes without stirring, then remove it from the heat.
11
Stir in the sifted powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. Allow the frosting to cool slightly.
12
Once the bars are fully baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before spreading the caramel frosting on top.
13
Sprinkle finely chopped pecans over the frosted bars for an added crunch.
14
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Store in an airtight container to maintain their moisture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Caramel Apple Crumble Bars?
These are moist and sweet dessert bars made with fresh grated apples and topped with a rich caramel frosting and chopped pecans.
How many apples do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of grated apples.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be grated to ensure they distribute evenly and provide a moist texture throughout the bars.
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 9x9-inch baking pan that has been greased.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
What spices are included in the batter?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for warm flavor.
What ingredients are in the caramel frosting?
The frosting is made from packed brown sugar, butter, milk, and sifted powdered sugar.
How do you cook the caramel frosting?
Combine brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan, bring to a boil over medium heat, and let it boil for 2.5 minutes without stirring.
Should I stir the frosting while it is boiling?
No, the instructions specify to allow the mixture to boil for 2.5 minutes without stirring.
When should I add the powdered sugar to the frosting?
Add the sifted powdered sugar after removing the boiled mixture from the heat, stirring until smooth.
How long should the bars cool before frosting?
Let the bars cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before spreading the caramel frosting on top.
What topping is added for extra crunch?
Finely chopped pecans are sprinkled over the frosted bars to provide an added crunch.
How should I store these apple bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and flavor.
Can these bars be served as a snack?
Yes, they are perfect as an afternoon snack with coffee or as a dessert for gatherings.
Do I need to sift the powdered sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifies using sifted powdered sugar to ensure a smooth frosting.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are required?
You will need one beaten egg for this recipe.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
The recipe uses a combination of both granulated and brown sugar in the batter, and brown sugar specifically for the frosting to get a caramel flavor.
Is the butter used in the batter softened or melted?
The 1/3 cup of butter used in the batter should be softened.
How is the batter combined?
The wet ingredients are creamed together, and then the whisked dry ingredients are gradually added until just combined.
What if I don't want to use frosting?
You can enjoy them simply dusted with powdered sugar as an alternative to the caramel frosting.
Are these bars easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is described as incredibly easy to make with simple steps and common ingredients.
Can I substitute the pecans?
While pecans are recommended for crunch, you could potentially omit them or substitute another nut if preferred.
How do I ensure the bars aren't dry?
The grated apples and careful baking time help keep the bars moist; storing them in an airtight container also preserves texture.
Is vanilla extract used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is incorporated into the wet mixture.
How much milk is needed for the frosting?
The frosting requires 1/4 cup of milk.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, greasing the 9x9-inch baking pan is the first step to prevent the bars from sticking.
What is the texture of the bars?
The bars are described as delightful, moist, and sweet with a creamy frosting and crunchy pecan topping.
When should I cut the bars into squares?
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure they hold their shape.