Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting

There’s something utterly delightful about the aroma of baked apples wafting through the house, and that’s exactly what you get with Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting. I remember the first time I made these bars; it was a crisp fall afternoon, and I wanted to create a dessert that could bring my family together. My kitchen was filled with laughter and excitement as we prepared this sweet treat. The combination of tender apples, buttery crust, and a sweet caramel frosting was a hit from the start, evoking nostalgic feelings of autumn gatherings and cozy moments.

Each bite of these Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting brings a lovely balance of flavors, making them perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Whether you’re sharing them at Thanksgiving or simply enjoying them during a weekend family gathering, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your home. The ease of preparation allows you to whip them up quickly, leaving you more time to create precious memories with your loved ones.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready to experience a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also wraps you in warmth and comfort. After all, there’s nothing quite like sharing homemade goodies with those you cherish.

What to Buy for Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting

When preparing Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting, choosing the right ingredients is essential. Each component plays a vital role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key players here are the fresh apples, which provide sweetness and moisture, and the rich butter and cream cheese that give the bars their delightful creaminess.

• 5 cups apples – peeled and sliced, these are the star of the dessert. Choosing crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will add a lovely tartness that complements the sweetness.
• 1 cup sugar – this sweetener brings harmony to the tartness of the apples, enhancing their flavor.
• 3 cups flour – the foundation for the crust, it gives the bars structure. Make sure to sift it for a lighter texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt – a pinch of salt elevates the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bars.
• 1 cup butter – melt it for a rich, buttery taste that makes the crust irresistible.
• 1 tablespoon sugar – this small amount sprinkled on top adds a lovely sweet crust.
• 1 egg – provides binding and richness, ensuring the bars hold together well.
• ⅔ cup milk – just shy of 2/3 cup adds moisture to the dough.
• ¾ cup Rice Krispies – crushed to add a delightful crunch in the layers.
• 4 oz cream cheese – combined with frosting, it adds a creamy texture that complements the caramel.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – for the frosting, ensuring that it’s creamy and smooth.
• 3 tablespoons caramel ice cream topping – the star of the frosting that brings sweetness and a luscious texture.
• 1 tablespoon milk – for thinning the frosting to your desired consistency.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – a subtle touch of flavor that enhances the sweetness in the bars.
• 1 cup powdered sugar – the final ingredient for the frosting, giving it that sweet finish.

Recipe Steps for Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting

Making Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting is a rewarding experience, packed with delicious results. Let’s dive into the steps that will guide you through this delightful recipe!

1. In a large bowl, combine the apples with 1 cup of sugar. Stir well and set aside to allow the apples to release some of their natural juices.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
3. Separate the egg, placing the yolk in a 1 cup measuring cup. Add milk until it reaches the 2/3 line and whisk until well combined.
4. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It should be soft and slightly sticky, but manageable.
5. Take half of the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 10×15 inch jelly roll pan. This will be the bottom layer of your bars.
6. Place the rolled-out dough into the bottom of the jelly roll pan, pressing gently to fit the corners.
7. Sprinkle the crushed Rice Krispies evenly over the dough layer to provide a delightful crunch.
8. Top the cereal layer with the apple mixture, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is filled with fruit.
9. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apple filling, sealing the edges gently.
10. Beat the reserved egg white until foamy and brush it over the top of the bars. Sprinkle a little sugar for added sweetness and texture.
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the apples bubbling beneath.
12. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter, microwaving in 15 to 20 second intervals until soft enough to whisk.
13. Add the caramel ice cream topping, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and creamy.
14. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar into the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Drizzle this luscious frosting over the cooled bars for a sweet finish.

How to Switch It Up

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some ideas to mix things up with your Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting. There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen!

• Storage: Keep your leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and delicious.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze these bars. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Pairing: These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
• Variations: Consider adding nuts or raisins to the apple filling for added texture and flavor. You can also switch up the frosting for a cream cheese frosting.
• Serving ideas: Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces for parties or serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a special treat.

How to Enjoy Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting

Serving Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting is just as delightful as making them. Here are some fun ideas on how to enjoy them:

• Perfect for brunch: These bars are a hit at brunch gatherings. Serve them alongside coffee or tea for a delightful pairing.
• Great as an afternoon snack: Enjoy a piece with your afternoon tea or coffee. They provide the perfect sweet pick-me-up.
• Holiday gatherings: Make them a staple at Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations. They add a festive touch to dessert tables.
• Storage tips: If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator. They taste just as good after a day or two.
• Seasonal adjustments: Feel free to mix in seasonal fruits like pears or cranberries for a twist on the classic recipe when they are in season.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting are not just a dessert; they are a sweet reminder of cozy family moments and festive gatherings. With their balance of flavors and ease of preparation, they can be a staple in your dessert repertoire. I encourage you to try making these bars; I promise they will become an instant favorite!

Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting

A comforting dessert featuring tender apples baked in a buttery crust, topped with a creamy caramel frosting. These Apple Bars with Caramel Frosting are perfect for any occasion and will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Bake them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 20 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 cups Apples peeled & sliced
• 1 cup Sugar
• 3 cups Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Butter
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 1 large Egg
• ⅔ cup Milk just shy of 2/3 cup
• ¾ cup Rice Krispies crushed
• 4 ounces Cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons Caramel ice cream topping
• 1 tablespoon Milk
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1 cup Powdered sugar

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Peeler
• Whisk
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, combine the apples with 1 cup of sugar. Stir well and set aside to allow the apples to release some of their natural juices.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
3. Separate the egg, placing the yolk in a 1 cup measuring cup. Add milk until it reaches the 2/3 line and whisk until well combined.
4. Pour the egg and milk mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. It should be soft and slightly sticky, but manageable.
5. Take half of the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 10x15 inch jelly roll pan. This will be the bottom layer of your bars.
6. Place the rolled-out dough into the bottom of the jelly roll pan, pressing gently to fit the corners.
7. Sprinkle the crushed Rice Krispies evenly over the dough layer to provide a delightful crunch.
8. Top the cereal layer with the apple mixture, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is filled with fruit.
9. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the apple filling, sealing the edges gently.
10. Beat the reserved egg white until foamy and brush it over the top of the bars. Sprinkle a little sugar for added sweetness and texture.
11. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and the apples bubbling beneath.
12. While the bars are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter, microwaving in 15 to 20 second intervals until soft enough to whisk.
13. Add the caramel ice cream topping, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and creamy.
14. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar into the mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency. Drizzle this luscious frosting over the cooled bars for a sweet finish.

Notes

• Tip 1: Keep your leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and delicious.
• Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze these bars. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Tip 3: These bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
• Tip 4: Consider adding nuts or raisins to the apple filling for added texture and flavor. You can also switch up the frosting for a cream cheese frosting.
• Tip 5: Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces for parties or serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for a special treat.

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.