Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 tsp of salt.

3. Add in 1 cup of cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

5. In another mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of diced apples and 1/2 cup of caramel sauce. Mix well.

6. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tsp of cinnamon, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, 1/4 tsp of allspice, and 1/4 tsp of salt.

7. Add the dry ingredients to the apple mixture and stir until the apples are coated.

8. Pour the apple mixture over the crust and spread it out evenly.

9. In another mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

10. Pour the egg mixture over the apple mixture.

11. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.

12. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
- 350°F
Serving size:
- 12 bars

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of apple you prefer.
- You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce.
- You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the apple mixture.
- You can use a different type of fruit, such as peaches or pears, instead of apples.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when you mix it into the flour mixture to ensure a flaky crust.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Storage instructions:
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the bars in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
- Dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top of the bars.

Garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon sugar

Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Hot apple cider

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too crumbly, add a little more butter to the mixture.
- If the filling is too runny, add a little more flour to the apple mixture.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw eggs.

Food history:
- Apple pie is a classic American dessert that dates back to the 18th century.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, buttery, and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Taste: Sweet, Caramelized, Spicy, Fruity, Buttery