Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup high-quality caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Grease any exposed pan edges with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1 cup of this mixture in a separate bowl and stir the rolled oats into it to create your crumble topping. Press the remaining flour and butter mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the base crust.
- Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a very light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the fruit.
- While the base bakes, toss the sliced apples in a medium bowl with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Ensure every apple slice is evenly coated with the spices. The lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a necessary hit of acidity to the sweet bars.
- Arrange the seasoned apple slices over the par-baked crust in an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved oat crumble mixture evenly over the top of the apples. Press down very gently with your palms to help the topping adhere to the apple layer.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. You will know it is done when the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the oat topping is a beautiful golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes.
- Warm your caramel sauce slightly in the microwave so it is pourable. Drizzle the caramel generously over the warm bars. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel to enhance the flavor. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before slicing into squares. This ensures the caramel sets and the bars hold their shape when served.
- Cook Time: 65 minutes