Thursday, May 19, 2016

Caramel Apple Pie Bars

We've had three straight days of rain and clouds and I would love to be outside picking strawberries for pies and jam, but instead, I'm stuck inside to work:-(

I baked this morning before heading downstairs to the studio and came up with these bars that may remind you more of Fall rather than Spring, but I only had apples or oranges on hand.  Anything apple and spice at our house is always welcomed.  The moistness the cooked apples provide make these "hand-held" pies worth baking for snacks, lunch, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Caramel Apple Pie Bars
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. Apple Pie Spice
2 cups + 2T  King Arthur all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith Apples

Caramel Glaze:
6 T unsalted butter, melted
4 T milk
3-3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 T caramel sauce
1 T Light Karo Syrup

Preheat oven to 375F-degrees.  Lightly grease a "jelly roll pan" and set aside.

Peel, core and chop the apples.  Set aside.

In a stand mixer, cream the butter and shortening together.  Add the sugar and beat on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.  Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until incorporated.  Scrape down sides once more.  Add the vanilla extract and Apple Pie Spice and mix again on medium speed.

Measure the flour, baking soda and salt and add to the mixture alternating with the buttermilk.  Make sure the dry ingredients are incorporated, but don't over mix.  Stir in the chopped apples and spread mixture onto the prepared pan.

Bake 20 minutes until golden brown.  Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes while you make the glaze.
Melt the butter for the glaze in a medium sauce pan.  Remove from the heat and stir in the milk and vanilla.  Add the confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time until you get a thick glaze.  Add the caramel sauce and stir to combine.  Pour over the apple bars, then, spread with an off-set spatula.

The recipe makes 24 bars and I can honestly say on a rainy day and a cup a tea, these are perfect. Enjoy!

7 comments:

  1. Your apple bars look like a great treat on a rainy day. We've had so much rain here, but today no rain and afternoon sun. Wishing you sunny days ahead, Susan. xoxo ♥

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  2. Oh, my!!! these look delicious!!! Last week it rained almost constantly. hope you are feeling better from dental work. I'm going thru that myself.
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  3. Perfect for a rainy, perhaps chilly day. Apples are good any time of year and so are bars. I prefer making bars over cakes, cookies, pies or any other thing.

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  4. A rainy day and something yummy in the oven.... bet the house smelled divine!

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  5. I am always in the mood for a good piece of apple pie! And this sounds and looks like a perfect treat for rainy days :-))

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  6. Divine looking as always Susan! You are such a inspiration with your baking skills! This would be fabulous for the holidays!!!

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  7. I so enjoy making bar cookies, and love their generous serving size! These sound wonderful! I look forward to making them.

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