Why Make This Recipe
Easy Caramel Apple Oat Bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. They combine the deliciousness of caramel and apples with the wholesome goodness of oats. These bars are not only simple to make but also provide a sweet snack that is great for a lunchbox or as an after-dinner dessert. With gooey caramel and tender apples, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!
How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Oat Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
- Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
- Spread the diced apples over the crust and drizzle them with caramel sauce.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the apples.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bars turn golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool before cutting them into squares and serving.
How to Serve Easy Caramel Apple Oat Bars
You can enjoy these caramel apple oat bars warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. You can also sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top before serving for added flavor.
How to Store Easy Caramel Apple Oat Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well before freezing.
Tips to Make Easy Caramel Apple Oat Bars
- Choose the Right Apples: Select sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a better taste.
- Check the Consistency: If the mix seems too dry, add a bit more melted butter to help it stick together.
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture.
Variation
Feel free to switch up the flavor by adding chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. You can also use nut butter in place of some of the butter for a different taste and texture. Instead of caramel sauce, try drizzling melted chocolate for a unique twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Rolled oats give a chewier texture.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free caramel sauce.
3. How can I make these bars healthier?
You can reduce the brown sugar or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Also, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can add more nutrients.
Conclusion
These Easy Caramel Apple Oat Bars are a delight for any occasion, providing sweetness without much fuss. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can impress your friends and family with this treat. For more ideas, check out Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars – Pastry & Beyond for inspiration on other delicious variations!
Print
Easy Caramel Apple Oat Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously sweet caramel apple oat bars that are perfect for a lunchbox or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter until well combined.
- Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
- Spread the diced apples over the crust and drizzle them with caramel sauce.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture on top of the apples.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bars turn golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool before cutting them into squares and serving.
Notes
These bars can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They pair well with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
