Ingredients
- Shortbread Crust: Made with unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and all-purpose flour. This base provides a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that perfectly supports the apple filling.
- Apple Filling: The heart of the recipe, this filling features thinly sliced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a deliciously spiced layer.
- Streusel Topping: A mix of rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and cold butter gives a crumbly, sweet, and slightly crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender apples.
- Salted Caramel: For the finishing touch, drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the top to enhance the sweetness with a hint of salt.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (149°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the flour and mix until the ingredients are fully combined and a dough forms.
- Press and Bake: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure it covers the bottom completely. Bake for 15 minutes until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling and streusel.
Notes
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Serve these bars warm, at room temperature, or cold.
- For a decorative touch, drizzle the caramel sauce in a zigzag pattern across each bar.
- Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert