Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Caramel Apple Bars

This time of year I begin dreaming of apples. Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Gala are among my favorites. On fall weekends, my family is thrilled to wake to the scent of apple waffles or cider muffins. Homemade applesauce usually finds its way into our refrigerator. And afternoons might find me experimenting with apple pie recipes or other baked apple treats.

An abundance of apples, whether from an apple-picking venture on a local farm or from a recent trip to Costco, calls for extreme fits of baking. My first apple treat of this fall season: Caramel Apple Bars. An oat-pecan crust is topped with layers of sliced apples. A simple homemade caramel is drizzled on top and then baked into a bubbling mass of apple heaven.

Caramel lovers will have a tough time not diving in face-first. The caramel sinks in and around the apples and turns a simple apple bar into an amazing dessert.

Slices are reminiscent of apple pie. Really good apple pie.

Tonight I plan to be lost in thoughts of savory apple dishes... apples paired with chicken or pork, and favorite autumn apple salads... that is, while I'm eating a slice of this for dessert.

This recipe can be found HERE.
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70 comments:

  1. ManggySeptember 24, 2008 at 12:30 AM

    YEAH!! Sounds like a plan! ;) "Bubbling mass of apple"-- I like that ;) Consider me wishing to be face half-submerged in this dessert!

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  2. Clumbsy CookieSeptember 24, 2008 at 1:29 AM

    So perfect fo the beggining of fall, althout I'm sure I could have it all year round! I'm sure it's delicious with that caraml!

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  3. PatsykSeptember 24, 2008 at 5:04 AM

    Oh, yes, caramel and apples... gotta have some of those! Yum!

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  4. EmilySeptember 24, 2008 at 6:17 AM

    Holy cow! These look like a total delight! I am definately going to try these babies out!

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  5. FinlaSeptember 24, 2008 at 6:30 AM

    Oh i am sure going to check out that recipe link.
    This looks so delicious.
    I love granny smith and pink lady.

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  6. FinlaSeptember 24, 2008 at 6:32 AM

    Just checked your recipe.
    I don't get corn syrup here can i substitute with honey
    And what are rolled oats

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  7. StaceySeptember 24, 2008 at 6:40 AM

    I'm not a big fan of apple pie, but I think I would love this! The caramel won me over. :)

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  8. Tina ButlerSeptember 24, 2008 at 6:52 AM

    Oh My those just look sinful. What a nice fall treat.

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  9. RecipeGirlSeptember 24, 2008 at 6:58 AM

    Happy Cook,
    Hmmm... I didn't realize that they did not have corn syrup outside of the US. Here's a link I found that discusses possible replacements:
    http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf21362042.tip.html

    As far as the rolled oats... old fashioned oats (oatmeal) is fine.

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  10. Teresa Cordero CordellSeptember 24, 2008 at 7:35 AM

    Lori, thank you so much for stopping by my site. I hope you do try the Piloncillo Pound Cake. It's really good.

    Talking about good.. Those Caramel Apple Bars look amazing. I've made pecan pie bars, but never these. Apples are my favorite fruit, so you can be sure that I will be making your recipe. Great post my friend.

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  11. Gretchen NoelleSeptember 24, 2008 at 7:51 AM

    These do look delicious! I will have to see about whipping some of these up with all my apples! Thanks!

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  12. AnitaSeptember 24, 2008 at 7:52 AM

    Apples and caramel - who can resist that combination!

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  13. Cathy - wheresmydamnanswerSeptember 24, 2008 at 7:53 AM

    Yum pretty much sums this one up!! WOW this would be a huge hit in my house. Love it.

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  14. FinlaSeptember 24, 2008 at 7:54 AM

    Thankyou for the info.
    Yeah we are not that lucky enought to get cron syrup here i have seen in a lot of recipes and searched for it here, but till now no luck

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  15. alexandra's kitchenSeptember 24, 2008 at 8:16 AM

    oh man. this reminds me of something I broke my braces on way back in high school when I was supposed to avoid foods like this at all costs. These look incredible!

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  16. StephanieSeptember 24, 2008 at 8:24 AM

    Oh wow, that looks so delicious! I love baked apple desserts. Add caramel, and I'm so there!

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  17. ShelbySeptember 24, 2008 at 8:46 AM

    Man, I could mow right into that recipe. Looks so gooey and chewy. Yummy!

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  18. La Bella CooksSeptember 24, 2008 at 9:13 AM

    Who can resist these? They look delectable and I can just imagine how they taste. Now you have me thinking of waking up to cinnamon waffles as well!

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  19. BrilynnSeptember 24, 2008 at 9:48 AM

    I just made caramel apple pies! These bars look fantastic.

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  20. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2008 at 10:06 AM

    The beginning of fall just screams apples, and I love the desserts that come with it. Apples, caramel in the shape of a bar, yes- I want this now.

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  21. DeborahSeptember 24, 2008 at 11:25 AM

    Yeah, that caramel has me drooling! I need to go get some apples right away!

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  22. KatrinaSeptember 24, 2008 at 11:53 AM

    Dang! That looks so good!

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  23. IvySeptember 24, 2008 at 12:11 PM

    I love apples and apple pies and must definitely try these.

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  24. Macaroni and CheesecakeSeptember 24, 2008 at 12:13 PM

    Apples plus caramel in anything is divine! These look super yummy!

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  25. Peter MSeptember 24, 2008 at 12:58 PM

    Oh my, I might forgo dinner to eat just dessert like this!

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  26. AdamSeptember 24, 2008 at 1:06 PM

    Lori, everything you make is great, but I think you especially rock at Fall food :) These bars are a hit without even making them yet :)

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  27. SylvieSeptember 24, 2008 at 2:20 PM

    I can just about imagine the divine smell and taste.

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  28. That GirlSeptember 24, 2008 at 3:00 PM

    I feel the same way about fall and apples. I'm very much looking forward to my first ever Julian trip!

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  29. TanyaSeptember 24, 2008 at 4:55 PM

    Oh yeah....these are on my menu for this week! They look awesome :)

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  30. Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)September 24, 2008 at 6:05 PM

    Caramel apples bring back all the wonderful memories of childhood, Fall, and even Halloween. Will definitely try these bars.

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  31. SaraSeptember 24, 2008 at 7:14 PM

    Oh my, these look beyond awesome! Galas are my favorite and I'm so happy they are in season now. I could eat a couple of them a day!

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  32. SaraSeptember 24, 2008 at 7:30 PM

    These look really delicious, I want some right now!

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  33. anudivyaSeptember 24, 2008 at 9:33 PM

    That looks sinfully delicious. You have a great collection of recipes here. Good job.

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  34. CookiePieSeptember 24, 2008 at 10:20 PM

    YUM! Those bars look FANTASTIC!!!

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  35. CakespySeptember 24, 2008 at 11:10 PM

    Oh yes, yes, yes!! These are perfection!

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  36. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2008 at 11:12 PM

    OMG, no convincing here, that is gorgeous! Now, if we could just get some cool weather!

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  37. JennySeptember 24, 2008 at 11:37 PM

    Perfect for fall, bring on the apples!

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  38. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2008 at 11:53 PM

    stop.
    it.
    now.
    That's all I have to say about how much I love the sound of this dish.
    Caremel apples are just one of those ultimate kid treats - made better by you because now, it's perfect with coffee.
    Yum!

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  39. Nina TimmSeptember 25, 2008 at 2:07 AM

    Stop, stop...my sweet tooth is working overtime with all these yummee treats!!!!

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  40. LizNoVeggieGirlSeptember 25, 2008 at 3:21 AM

    MAAAAAAARRRRRVELOUS!!!!! Caramel apples are practically synonymous with autumn festivities; and in bar form?? Brilliant!!

    Looking forward to seeing your savory apple dishes - those should be fun/delicious, for sure!!

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  41. Deborah DowdSeptember 25, 2008 at 4:07 AM

    OMG! These look so good, just perfect for these cool fall evenings (but not so great for my diet!)More incentive to get to my goal weight faster!

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  42. DebbieSeptember 25, 2008 at 4:18 AM

    Oh they look wonderful. Perfect snack to make this time of year....

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  43. ColleenSeptember 25, 2008 at 6:44 AM

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! And these look DELICIOUS! I am drooling just looking at them!

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  44. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2008 at 6:53 AM

    WHOAAAAAAAA! Those look SINFULLY delicious!

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  45. Stacey SnacksSeptember 25, 2008 at 7:06 AM

    Oh my! This is EXACTLY what I am making with all of my newly picked apples! I am salivating!

    Stacey Snacks

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  46. MariaSeptember 25, 2008 at 7:20 AM

    That looks so good and gooey! I am a caramel fan!! Love all of the fall recipes you are sharing! Thanks!

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  47. lSeptember 25, 2008 at 7:50 AM

    Wow, the picture actually tells you what it will be like to bite into that delightful apple bar. So moist and chewy and delicious looking! Oh, I wish I could reach through the screen, pick up your bar and wolf it down for breakfast!

    Great job!

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  48. Alejandra RamosSeptember 25, 2008 at 7:57 AM

    I've been bugging my BF to take me apple picking this fall. I can't wait. This will definitely go on the "to make" list once he agrees!

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  49. DazianoSeptember 25, 2008 at 8:19 AM

    Fall is definitely coming and apples come with it! I can't complain!

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  50. HeatherSeptember 25, 2008 at 10:33 AM

    ohh that looks just delicious! i love caramel and apples together. mmmm!!

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  51. SaraSeptember 25, 2008 at 12:47 PM

    Wow!!! Your bars look delicious. I love caramel and apple.

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  52. nicoleSeptember 25, 2008 at 1:06 PM

    Should you be allowed to post such things on here. Just looking at those will put 10 pounds on. Consider it done. I will have to make these. Who can resist apples and caramel? Looks delicious!
    www.testkitchenrecipes.blogspot.com

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  53. susanSeptember 25, 2008 at 3:24 PM

    oh my gosh!! those caramel apple bars look sinfully delicious.
    btw, i love ur photos :)

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  54. My Sweet & SaucySeptember 25, 2008 at 3:58 PM

    Looks like you have a winner here! Great job!

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  55. LeslieSeptember 25, 2008 at 5:35 PM

    Evil..just plain evil!
    I dont think I would be able to have these in front of me! DELISH

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  56. AnonymousSeptember 25, 2008 at 9:25 PM

    the photos remind me of baklava. this looks so sinfully delish. and what a perfect recipe to try for fall!

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  57. The Short (dis)Order CookSeptember 26, 2008 at 12:56 PM

    Whoa. Those look like a sugar coma in a few easy bites. A very delicious swoony kind of sugar coma.

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  58. AggieSeptember 26, 2008 at 1:49 PM

    I love Pink Lady apples! These bars look unbelievable! I can't wait to try them!

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  59. ReeniSeptember 26, 2008 at 1:59 PM

    Those look so lovely and delicious, caramel and apples have to be one of the most perfect combinations!

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  60. SophieSeptember 26, 2008 at 7:54 PM

    Hehe I've been in the mood for apples too! These are perfect. I saw caramel apples in the title and my mouth started watering instantly. I've been craving caramel apples! I need to save this recipe!

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  61. BunnySeptember 26, 2008 at 9:17 PM

    apple waffles and cider muffins, I'm coming to your house for breakfast !! There is nothing better than apples in the fall...nothing. I start thinking about apple recipes in august when i'm tired of being hot and am looking forward to the crisp fall days ahead. Great recipe!!

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  62. Proud Italian CookSeptember 26, 2008 at 10:15 PM

    I'm dreaming of this, and by the looks of everyones comments they are too!!

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  63. Anamika:The SugarcrafterSeptember 27, 2008 at 6:38 AM

    dear recipe girl
    making caramel apple bars is a process and you have done very nicely....i loved it !

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  64. AnneSeptember 27, 2008 at 6:38 AM

    I'm so looking to making this!

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  65. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2008 at 2:17 PM

    Oooh, this is a great and delicious of Fall. It looks SO, SO, GOOD!

    I have to wait a few more weeks to really get a feel for the season here.

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  66. LauraSeptember 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM

    OMG this looks good. My blog might need to handle 2 apple bars in a short period of time.

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  67. JonSeptember 30, 2008 at 6:06 AM

    Caramel apple may be my second favorite food combination next to peanut butter banana.

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  68. HeleneOctober 3, 2008 at 5:47 PM

    This is deliciously perfect! Love it!! I am afraid i'd end up eating more than my share :)

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  69. RosieOctober 3, 2008 at 10:31 PM

    Your caramel and apple bars are just beautiful!!

    Wonderful fall recipe to make - thanks for sharing :)

    Rosie x

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  70. SamOctober 5, 2008 at 1:15 AM

    Apples and caramel, it doesn't get much better than that!

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