Caramel Apple Bars

 Caramel Apple Bars are a perfect fall treat, combining the sweetness of caramel with the tartness of apples in a soft, chewy bar. This vegan version is easy to make and just as delicious as the traditional one! Here's a simple recipe to make these mouthwatering bars:

Ingredients:

For the Apple Filling:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

2 tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Bars:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup coconut oil (or vegan butter), melted

1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup non-dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)

For the Caramel Sauce:

1/2 cup coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)

1 tbsp coconut oil

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apple Filling:

In a small saucepan, combine the diced apples, maple syrup (or coconut sugar), cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Bars:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil (or vegan butter), coconut sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined. The batter will be thick but spreadable.

Spread about 2/3 of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer.

Spread the cooked apple filling evenly over the batter, leaving a small border around the edges.

Spoon the remaining batter over the apples and gently spread it to cover the filling as best as you can. It doesn't need to be perfectly smooth—some apple filling will peek through.

3. Bake the Bars:

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (with a few moist crumbs).

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

4. Make the Caramel Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and coconut oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Allow the caramel sauce to cool for a few minutes before drizzling it over the cooled apple bars.

5. Serve:

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled apple bars, then slice and serve. Enjoy!

Tips:

Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The caramel sauce can be kept in the fridge and reheated before serving.

Caramel Alternative: If you prefer a thicker, more traditional caramel, you can use store-bought vegan caramel sauce or make a thicker version by reducing the caramel sauce further on the stove.

Add-ins: For added texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top before baking.

These Caramel Apple Bars are a perfect combination of sweet and tart, with a rich caramel drizzle to tie it all together. They’re an irresistible treat for any occasion!