Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the rich sweetness of caramel. These bars are perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a cozy treat at home. With a flaky crust, a warm apple filling, and a delicious caramel drizzle, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is fantastic for several reasons. Firstly, it takes the beloved apple pie and transforms it into easy-to-handle bars. This makes them perfect for serving at parties or enjoying as an everyday snack. Secondly, they feature fresh apples, making them a bit healthier while still sweet and satisfying. Finally, who can resist the lure of caramel? It adds a special touch that elevates these bars to something truly special.
How to Make Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2-3/4 cup sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 – 6 cups peeled cored diced apples (I used Granny Smith)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- To Make the Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour and 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Cut in 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the beaten egg and cold water until the dough forms.
- Press the dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- To Make the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/2-3/4 cup of sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Toss the diced apples with this mixture and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Pour the apple filling over the crust in the baking dish.
- To Make the Topping:
- In a new bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Stir in melted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until crumbly.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the apple filling.
- To Make the Caramel:
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of brown sugar and 4 tablespoons of butter together.
- Add in ½ cup of half-and-half, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir constantly until the caramel is smooth, then drizzle it over the topping before baking.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
How to Serve Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Allow the bars to cool slightly before slicing them into squares. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Store Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer-lasting freshness, you can refrigerate them for about a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Make sure to use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
- If you like, you can add nuts to the topping for a little extra crunch.
- To enhance the flavor, sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over the diced apples.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using different types of fruit, such as pears or a mix of berries, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, using store-bought caramel sauce is a convenient option. Simply drizzle it over the bars after they cool.
2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the other ingredients for gluten-free options as well.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Bars with friends and family!
Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons cold water
For the filling
- 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
- 0.5-0.75 cups sugar adjust to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 5-6 cups peeled cored diced apples Granny Smith recommended
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the topping
- 1.5 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cup sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the caramel
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 0.5 cup half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- pinch salt
Instructions
To Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of flour and 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Cut in 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the beaten egg and cold water until the dough forms.
- Press the dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
To Make the Filling
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of flour, 1/2-3/4 cup of sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt.
- Toss the diced apples with this mixture and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Pour the apple filling over the crust in the baking dish.
To Make the Topping
- In a new bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Stir in melted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until crumbly.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the apple filling.
To Make the Caramel
- In a small saucepan, melt 1 cup of brown sugar and 4 tablespoons of butter together.
- Add in ½ cup of half-and-half, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir constantly until the caramel is smooth, then drizzle it over the topping before baking.
Baking
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
