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As the leaves begin to turn and the air takes on a crisp chill, the desire for warm, comforting desserts becomes almost irresistible. One of the quintessential treats that perfectly embodies the spirit of fall is the caramel apple dessert. Combining the sweet, rich flavor of caramel with the tartness of fresh apples, these desserts evoke nostalgia and warmth with every bite. Among the myriad of caramel apple recipes, the Caramel Apple Streusel Bars stand out for their delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Caramel Apple Streusel Bars

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with Caramel Apple Streusel Bars! This delightful dessert features layers of tender apples enveloped in a rich caramel sauce, all topped with a buttery streusel that adds a perfect crunch. Ideal for gatherings or a comforting treat at home, these bars are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Discover how to create this comforting dessert step-by-step and enjoy the warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

For the crust and topping:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks)

For the apple filling:

4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the caramel:

1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions
 

Prepare the Apple Filling:

    - In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

      Make the Crust and Topping:

        - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

          - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

            - Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly. Reserve about 1 cup of the mixture for topping, and press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust.

              Assemble the Bars:

                - Spread the apple filling evenly over the crust.

                  - Crumble the reserved streusel mixture on top of the apples.

                    Bake the Bars:

                      - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

                        Prepare the Caramel:

                          - While the bars are baking, melt the caramel candies and heavy cream together in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and combined.

                            Drizzle and Cool:

                              - Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the warm caramel over the top of the streusel bars.

                                - Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares.

                                  Enjoy:

                                    - Serve your Caramel Apple Streusel Bars warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat!

                                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | Serves 12