Get ready to transform your kitchen into a heavenly bakery with these irresistible Apple Bars that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine biting into a perfectly moist, apple-packed bar, topped with a rich, velvety caramel frosting that melts in your mouth. This isn't just a dessert; it's a slice of pure happiness that combines the warm, comforting flavors of fresh apples with a decadent caramel twist that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 9-12 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups of diced apples
- 1 cup of caramel frosting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside this dry ingredient mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even incorporation.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, approximately 1 hour.
- Once cooled, spread the caramel frosting evenly over the top of the bars using an offset spatula.
- Cut into 9-12 rectangular bars, depending on desired serving size.
- Serve and enjoy the apple bars at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the bars tender and light.
- Check for Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the caramel from melting and sliding off.
- Make Ahead: These bars actually taste even better the next day, so they're perfect for preparing in advance for gatherings or potlucks!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
