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Nothing says autumn quite like caramel apples! These Caramel Apple Bars bring together everything you love about the season: warm spices, juicy apples, and a drizzle of rich, gooey caramel sauce, all in a buttery oat crust. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones. And that smell while they bake? Pure fall magic!
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Bars
These bars are the ultimate comfort dessert! Here’s why they’re such a standout:
- Flavors of Fall: Sweet-tart apples spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar blend perfectly with creamy caramel.
- Texture Heaven: Buttery oat crust and topping with soft, juicy apples – a delightful mix of chewy and crunchy.
- Simple & Versatile: No need for fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. And if you love experimenting, this recipe is a great base for fun variations!
Let’s Talk Taste!
Imagine a crumbly, buttery crust that melts in your mouth, topped with tender apple pieces that burst with the sweetness of caramel and the warmth of cinnamon. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from chewy oats to silky caramel.
What You’ll Need to Make Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups oats (old-fashioned or quick oats both work well)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup butter, melted (helps bind the crust and crumble)
- 3 large apples (peeled, diced; any variety will work, though Granny Smith adds a lovely tartness)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Caramel Apple Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan well, so your bars slide right out when they’re done.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir until well mixed. Next, add the melted butter and mix until the mixture is crumbly.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of your greased pan, creating a crust layer.
- Add the apples: Spread the diced apples evenly over the crust.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples, aiming for even coverage for that perfect caramel sweetness in each bite.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top to form the crumble.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bars are golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the pan cool on a wire rack before slicing – the bars will set up nicely as they cool.
What to Serve With Caramel Apple Bars
For a cozy dessert, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Add a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra autumn flair. And if you’re a coffee lover, a latte or cinnamon-spiced tea pairs perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Bars
- Choosing the Apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work beautifully; they hold up well and balance the caramel’s sweetness.
- Crumble Consistency: If the crumble seems too dry, add a bit more melted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right.
- Cooling is Key: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. They’ll firm up and be easier to slice without crumbling.
Storing Your Caramel Apple Bars
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: These bars keep well in the fridge for up to a week. Just bring them to room temperature or give them a quick warm-up before serving.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge, and they’re ready to enjoy again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Old-Fashioned?
Yes, instant oats work well and will give a slightly finer texture. Old-fashioned oats provide a heartier bite.
What Kind of Caramel Sauce Should I Use?
Use your favorite brand of caramel sauce or make your own if you prefer a homemade touch. Salted caramel also adds a nice flavor twist.
Can I Add Nuts?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a delicious addition. Sprinkle them on with the topping for extra crunch.
Fall Treats You’ll Also Love
If these Caramel Apple Bars were a hit, you’ll want to try these cozy favorites:
- Healthy Apple Crumble Bites – A lighter apple treat with all the fall flavor
- Cinnamon Pumpkin Swirl Bread – Warm spices and pumpkin make the perfect fall pairing
- Cinnamon Sugar Apple Fritters – Crispy, sweet, and perfect for autumn mornings
Join the Fall Baking Fun!
I’d love to see your caramel apple bars! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share a photo on Pinterest – tag EMMARECIPES18 on Pinterest to join the cozy community. 🍏🍂
Nutritional Information (per bar)
- Calories: ~250
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 2g


Caramel Apple Bars
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Apple Bars are a cozy fall dessert layered with spiced apples, buttery oat crumble, and a drizzle of caramel. Easy, flavorful, and perfect for autumn gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 3 large apples, peeled and diced
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking soda. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Press half the mixture into the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Layer diced apples on top of the crust and drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the apples.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the apples.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, use Granny Smith apples.
- You can add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the crumble for added crunch.
- Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg