Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars are a delectable treat that perfectly combines the flavors of sweet caramel, tart apples, and wholesome oats. These bars are a delightful blend of crunchy crust, juicy apple filling, and buttery crumbles, all topped with a rich caramel sauce. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more.

Why Make Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars are a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall or satisfy your craving for a comforting treat any time of the year. With their irresistible combination of caramel, apples, and oats, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be enjoyed as a snack on the go or as a delightful dessert for any occasion.

How to Make Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars

Apple Filling:

1. Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples with nutmeg, cinnamon, sugar, and flour. Stir until well combined.

Crust and Crumbles:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In another medium bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
2. Add Butter: Add melted butter and mix well. Set aside about ⅓ of the mixture for the crumbles.

Assembly:

1. Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease an 8-inch (20cm) square oven-proof dish and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) of overhang on each side.
2. Press Crust: Press ⅔ of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish. Use your hands or a spoon to press it down.
3. Add Apple Filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Sprinkle Crumbles: Sprinkle the reserved dough mixture over the apples, gently pressing it down to stick to the apples.
5. Bake: Bake for about 50 minutes or until the crumbles are golden brown.

Caramel Sauce:

1. Prepare Sauce: While the dish is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. Gradually add heavy cream to avoid lumps. If using pre-made caramel sauce, ensure it’s at a pourable consistency by warming it gently if needed.

Assemble:

1. Cool and Top: Let the dish cool at room temperature for 1 hour before pouring half of the caramel sauce on top.
2. Spread Caramel: Gently swirl the dish to spread the caramel sauce.
3. Chill: Allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes before refrigerating for an additional 1 and ½ hours until completely set.
4. Slice and Serve: Cut into 16 slices. Optionally, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Enjoy them as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet treat with your morning coffee or tea.

Storage Info

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual bars for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Some Techniques or Tips

• For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the oatmeal crumble mixture.
• Make sure the caramel sauce is at the right consistency before pouring it over the bars. If it’s too thick, gently warm it up until pourable.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of caramel sauce according to your preference. You can also use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience.

FAQs about Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars

1. Can I use a different type of apple? Yes, you can use your favorite type of apple in this recipe. However, Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firm texture, which hold up well during baking.
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare these bars in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Simply pour the caramel sauce over the bars just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
3. Can I omit the caramel sauce? While the caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness and richness to the bars, you can certainly omit it if desired. The bars will still be delicious on their own with the natural sweetness of the apples and sugar.

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