Dutch Caramel Apple Pie Bars
A delicious dessert that combines classic apple pie flavors with the rich sweetness of caramel in a convenient bar format. Perfect for gatherings or as a cozy treat at home.
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.
Notes
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. 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. Make sure to use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture.