Name: Easy Caramel Apple Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 330 g (2 ¼ cups + 2 tbsp) plain (all purpose) flour; 200 g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp) granulated sugar; 0.5 tsp salt; 220 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 tsp vanilla; 470 g (3 ¾ cups + 3 tbsp) apples, peeled, cored and finely sliced; 40 g (3 tbsp) granulated sugar; 3 tsp cinnamon; 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch); caramel, for drizzling

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These delectable and delicious caramel apple bars make the best of the abundance of the season’s apples! The cinnamon spiked apples are encased in a wonderfully buttery shortbread base and topping before being finished with a flourish of a caramel drizzle. Autumnal heaven!

These caramel apple bars have a buttery shortbread base, a delectable cinnamon apple filling and crumbly topping, finished with a beautiful drizzle of caramel. Recipe by movers and bakers

Why you will love these caramel apple bars

Super easy to make. They are ready in no time, and are so so easy to make! This is actually a recipe I have made with my children over the years too, as apart from cutting the apples, everything else is so simple to do!
Easy to store. You can keep these stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Or you could freeze them, so you always have a treat ready to enjoy when the craving hits!
Making the most of seasonal produce. With apple season in full swing, I’m always looking for other ways to use up some of the delicious fruit! And these little squares are pure delight!
Everyday ingredients. Using easily found ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home, these beauties really can be whipped up in a flash!
Take them anywhere. Pack these easily in a container to take to share with a crowd and drizzle with caramel just before serving for less mess. Simples!

What ingredients do I need to make these apple bars?

Flour: I use plain/all purpose flour to make these apple crisp bars.
Sugar: for sweetness, used in both the shortbread outer layers as well as the cinnamon apple middle in this bake.
Salt: enhances the flavour in the bars. You will not taste it, I promise!
Vanilla: for a subtle and delicious flavour in the shortbread part of these apple bars.
Unsalted butter: I like to use unsalted butter so I can control how much salt is in the bake. For best results, use butter at room temperature.
Apples: I use a tart variety of apples for extra apple flavour, but you can use any apples you wish in this recipes apple bars.
Cinnamon: an essential ingredient for that cosy and warming flavour to perfectly complement the apples in these apple crumble bars.
Cornflour/cornstarch: used in the apple mix to absorb any of the juices released by the fruit during baking.
Caramel: drizzled over the top of these bars when serving, gives a wonderful extra level of flavour to these apple crisp bars.

Recommended tools for the best caramel apple pie bars

Digital kitchen scales*: I always recommend using digital kitchen scales to weigh ingredients out over using a volume based measuring system, as cups. Weighing out the ingredients is much more accurate than measuring by volume, and will ensure better results in the cookies, so I would definitely take the plunge if you have not already.
Measuring spoons*: for measuring smaller quantities such as tablespoons (tbsp) and teaspoons (tsp), a set of dedicated measuring spoons is a must! These are far more accurate than everyday eating spoons, and are really easy to get hold of too.
Food processor*: a mess free method to mix together the ingredients for the shortbread base. The ingredients could quite easily be mixed together by hand too if you prefer.
Baking tin*: I used an 8” square pan for these apple caramel bars. One with a loose bottom makes it much easier to lift the bars out of the tin after baking.
Mixing bowl*: any bowl the ingredients can be mixed up in is good! Used to make the apple filling, as well as the shortbread base if doing by hand.
Spatula*: to help with mixing ingredients and scraping the mixing bowl down when making these caramel apple crumble bars.

How to make caramel apple bars

These apple caramel crumb bars are so quick to make, simply make the shortbread mixture and press about ¾ of it into the base of a lined tin. Mix together the apple filling ingredients and spread in an even layer over the base, pressing down slightly. Then sprinkle the top with the remaining shortbread mixture before baking. Once cooled, cut into squares, drizzle with some caramel and enjoy!

Ingredients required: plain (all purpose) flour, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla, unsalted butter, apples, cinnamon, cornflour and caramel. Recipe by movers and bakers

Step 1: Line a 8″ square pan with parchment paper, then set it aside. Preheat the oven to 190C/375F.

Step 2: To make the shortbread crust, mix together the flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl or pulse in a food processor. Add in the room temperature butter and vanilla, then rub in or pulse until the mixture resembles damp breadcrumbs.

Adding all the ingredients to the mixing bowl...

Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the apple filling ingredients, ensuring all the apples are well coated.

Slice the peeled and cored apples thinly...

Before mixing with all the apple filling ingredients. Recipe by movers and bakers

Step 4: Tip about ¾ of the shortbread mixture into the prepared tin and press down evenly into a flat layer. Lay the apple slices in an even layer over the shortbread base. Press down gently to help flatten the apples. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the top of the apples, ensuring you cover everything as evenly as possible.

Pressing the base down firmly to create a solid base of shortbread....

Before spreading the prepared apples in an even layer...

Step 5: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes until golden on top. Leave to cool completely in the tin.

Step 6: Once cool, cut the bars into squares and drizzle with some caramel before serving. Enjoy!

Cutting the cooled bars into squares before serving with a drizzle of caramel. Recipe by movers and bakers

What are the best apples for baking?

You can use your favourite apples in this bake, however I prefer using Granny Smiths or another tart variety for the best apple flavour.

How can I serve caramel apple bars?

I like to serve these with a simple drizzle of caramel on a plate (eaten with a fork!). You can, if you are feeling extra decadent, warm it up and serve it with a scoop of ice cream too!

How to cut and store these easy caramel apple bars

Ensure the caramel apple crumb bars are completely cool before cutting them. This allows the filling to set and firm up fully before it is cut, so it will hold its shape much better. Use a really sharp knife to cut through the layers, cutting into sixteen squares. Keep these stored in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days of baking.

I would recommend not drizzling with caramel until just before you serve them.

Additional tips for making the best apple caramel bars recipe!

Remember to work with all the ingredients at room temperature for easy baking.
Press the shortbread base layer down really firmly. This gives you a good firm base for the filling that will not fall apart when cut.
There is no need to bake the base before the filling and topping. Since we are adding cornflour to the apples, any liquid that comes off the fruit will thicken up and become more of a sauce, so you will not get a soggy bottom.
If you wish to add the caramel in with the apples instead, simply drizzle the tops of the apples generously with caramel before topping with the remaining shortbread mixture. Bake as before, but keep in mind this may also result in a little caramel bubbling through the top of the bake,
Leave the bars to cool completely before cutting. If you cut too soon, the middle will still be warm and so the whole thing will fall apart as you cut it. It will be worth the wait!

Troubleshooting

If you have any other questions about this recipe caramel apple bars, please leave me a comment below, I will do my best to help you. And if you do make this recipe for caramel apple bars, please do leave me a rating and review below. I would so appreciate your feedback and it is incredibly helpful for others looking for a recipe too. Additionally, you could also post a picture on Instagram and tag me when you share it with the world. Please do, you know I would love to see it!

Other apple recipes you will love

Apple and cinnamon cookies: My apple and cinnamon cookies are a perfect autumnal treat! With crunchy edges, chewy oats and lots of apple and cinnamon flavour all topped with a moreish maple glaze. A perfect cosy seasonal cookie treat!

Apple cinnamon muffins with crumble topping: Make the most of autumn and delicious apple season with some irresistible muffins! These apple cinnamon muffins are PERFECT for lunchboxes or just a tea time snack. They are beautifully moist, perfectly spiced with a delightful crumble topping for a fabulous yummy texture!

Caramel apple tart: My caramel apple tart combines beautiful buttery pastry, smooth caramel and tart apples in a stunningly striking bake! This apple rose tart may take a little effort to put together, but requires just a few ingredients and is sure to wow anyone who gets to indulge in and enjoy it!

Recommended equipment I used *

Digital kitchen scales	Measuring spoons
Food processor	Baking tin
Mixing bowl	Spatula

* If you purchase any of the products through one of the links above, I will receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you so much for your support!