Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars Recipe

There’s something about the combination of apples, caramel, and oats that is just perfect. Caramel apple oatmeal bars are a delicious twist on traditional oatmeal bars, combining the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, gooey caramel, and wholesome oats. These bars are ideal for fall, though they can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just as a treat for yourself, caramel apple oatmeal bars will surely satisfy your sweet tooth while giving you the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

History and Inspiration

Caramel apples have long been a popular fall treat, often associated with Halloween festivals, harvest seasons, and fairs. The combination of apples and caramel has been enjoyed for generations, and its popularity only grows during the fall months when fresh apples are at their peak.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small cubes. You can use any apple variety you like, but tart apples such as Granny Smith work best because they balance the sweetness of the caramel and the oats.

2. In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples evenly.

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3. Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and set aside to cool while you prepare the oatmeal base.

Step 2: Prepare the Oatmeal Base

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once they’re baked.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Add the softened butter, egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until the dough comes together and is well combined. The dough will be thick, almost like cookie dough.

4. Press half of the oatmeal dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer. You can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Once the apple filling has cooled slightly, spread it evenly over the oatmeal base. Make sure the apples are distributed throughout the layer.

2. Crumble the remaining oatmeal dough over the apple filling. It doesn’t have to be a perfect layer—some areas can be more crumbly than others. This will give the bars a nice texture and create pockets of oat goodness throughout the apples.

3. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling slightly around the edges.

4. Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This will help them set and make them easier to cut into squares.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Topping

1. While the bars are cooling, make the caramel topping. If you’re using store-bought caramel sauce, simply heat it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make it more pourable. Add the heavy cream and salt to the caramel and stir well.

2. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled bars. You can be generous with the caramel, as it adds a decadent sweetness to the oatmeal and apples.

3. Allow the caramel to set for a few minutes before cutting the bars into squares.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the bars have cooled, cut them into squares or bars. Serve them as a sweet treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a dessert. Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for the perfect cozy experience. These bars are rich, satisfying, and sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the combination of caramel, apples, and oats.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars

1. Use Tart Apples: As mentioned earlier, tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they balance the sweetness of the caramel and oatmeal. You can also experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a different flavor profile.

2. Don’t Overbake the Bars: To ensure that the bars are soft and chewy, be careful not to overbake them. The top should be golden and slightly crisp, but the center should remain moist and tender.

3. Make Ahead: These caramel apple oatmeal bars are perfect for making ahead. They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months—just thaw them at room temperature and reheat slightly before serving.

4. Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own caramel sauce for this recipe. Simply melt 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns amber. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream (be careful, as it will bubble up) and 4 tablespoons of butter, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over the bars.

Variations

1. Nutty Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars: Add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the oatmeal base or sprinkle them on top of the caramel layer for added crunch and flavor.

2. Vegan Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based milk like almond milk or oat milk. Choose a vegan caramel sauce or make your own using coconut cream.

3. Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars: To make these bars gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.

4. Spiced Up Bars: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the apple filling, or even to the oatmeal base. This will give your bars a warming, spicy kick that pairs well with the sweetness of the apples and caramel.

Conclusion

Caramel apple oatmeal bars are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the best flavors of apples, caramel, and oats into one indulgent treat. The bars are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying on your own. With a soft and chewy oatmeal base, juicy spiced apples, and a rich caramel topping, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Yield: 16

Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars Recipe

Print

There's something about the combination of apples, caramel, and oats that is just perfect. Caramel apple oatmeal bars are a delicious twist on traditional oatmeal bars, combining the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, gooey caramel, and wholesome oats. These bars are ideal for fall, though they can be enjoyed year-round. Whether you're baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just as a treat for yourself, caramel apple oatmeal bars will surely satisfy your sweet tooth while giving you the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• For the Apple Filling:
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• For the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Caramel Sauce:
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water.
   Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
   Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
   
2. Prepare the Oatmeal Crust and Topping:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
   Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, and stir until the mixture is well combined. The dough will be somewhat crumbly.
   Reserve about 1 cup of the oat mixture for the topping and press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming the crust layer.
   
3. Assemble the Bars:
   Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the oatmeal crust.
   Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the apple filling to create a crumbly topping.
   
4. Bake:
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the edges are slightly crisp.
   
5. Prepare the Caramel Sauce:
   While the bars are baking, make the caramel sauce by combining the heavy cream, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan.
   Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
   Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
   
6. Finish and Serve:
   Once the bars have cooled slightly, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top.
   Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.

Notes

• Caramel Tip: If you want extra gooey caramel, add more caramel sauce or make a double batch to drizzle generously over the bars.
• Apple Varieties: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet caramel, or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a milder flavor.