Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Christmas is a season of warmth, joy, and delightful treats that fill the air with sweet aromas. One of the most beloved traditions during this time is baking delicious goodies to share with family and friends. If you’re looking to add a new favorite to your holiday repertoire, why not try making Caramel Apple Pie Bars? These decadent bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie with a luscious caramel twist, creating a treat that is sure to impress your loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add in the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Take half of the mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.

4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream until smooth.

6. Add the diced apples, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the egg mixture. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly combined.

7. Pour the apple mixture over the baked crust in the baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

8. Sprinkle the remaining flour mixture over the top of the apple filling, creating a crumble topping.

9. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

10. Once baked, remove the Caramel Apple Pie Bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.

11. If desired, drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving for an extra decadent touch.

Enjoy these Caramel Apple Pie Bars with a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate holiday dessert experience. The combination of sweet caramel, tender apples, and crunchy pecans in a buttery crust is a true delight for the taste buds. Share these bars with your loved ones and watch as they become a new Christmas tradition in your home. Happy baking!