recipe_551

Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
30 to 40 minutes

Servings:
4 dozen bars

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
30 to 40 minutes

Servings:
4 dozen bars

Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Caramel Apple Bars

  • Crust
  • 3/4 C. (175 mL) Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening
  • 1 C. (250 mL) firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 C. (375 mL) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) salt
  • 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) baking soda
  • 1 3/4 C. (425 mL) quick oats
  • Filling
  • 3 to 4 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled and cut into 1/2” (1.5 cm) dice (about 4 cups)
  • 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. (5 mL) lemon juice
  • 14 oz (400 g) caramel candies, unwrapped

DIRECTIONS

  1. Heat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease 13″ x 9″ x 2″ (33 cm x 23 cm x 5 cm) baking pan with shortening.
  2. For crust, combine shortening and brown sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer. Add egg to creamed mixture. Beat until well blended.
  3. Combine 1 1/2 C. (375 mL) flour, salt and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture gradually. Add in oats. Mix until blended. Reserve 1 1/4 C. (300 mL) of mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture into prepared pan. Bake at 350ºF (175ºC) for 10 minutes.
  4. For filling, toss apples with 2 Tbsp. (30 mL) flour and lemon juice. Distribute apple mixture evenly over partially baked crust. Press in lightly.
  5. Place caramels in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir. Repeat until caramels are melted. Drizzle melted caramel evenly over apples. Crumble reserved topping evenly over caramel.
  6. Bake at 350ºF (175ºC) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until apples are tender and top is golden brown. Do not overbake. Loosen caramel from sides of pan with knife. Cool completely. Cut into 1 1/2” (4 cm) bars. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to store.