Save A decadent treat featuring layers of crisp spiced apples, buttery biscuit base, crunchy pretzels, and gooey caramel. Perfect for autumn gatherings or as a festive snack for anyone craving a sweet and spicy twist.
I made these bars for my family get-together last fall, and they disappeared within minutes. The balance of salty pretzel crunch and gooey caramel made them irresistible, and everyone went back for seconds.
Ingredients
- Biscuit Base: 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (melted), 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt
- Apple Layer: 3 medium tart apples (Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference), 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Pretzel & Caramel Topping: 1 cup (60 g) mini salted pretzels, roughly chopped, 3/4 cup (180 ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make Biscuit Base:
- In a medium bowl, mix flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the biscuit base.
- Bake Base:
- Bake the base for 12–14 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Apple Layer:
- While the base bakes, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and cornstarch in a bowl until well coated.
- Assemble Apple Layer:
- Spread the apple mixture over the biscuit base in an even layer.
- Add Pretzels:
- Sprinkle chopped pretzels evenly over the apples.
- Add Caramel:
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the pretzel and apple layer. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake Bars:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling and the apples are tender.
- Cool & Cut:
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save My kids loved helping with the layering and drizzling, turning it into a fun baking afternoon for the whole family before we watched movies together.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel for added indulgence.
Substitutions & Variations
Swap pears for apples for a twist or use gluten-free flour and pretzels to make the bars gluten-free. Add a pinch of ground ginger to boost the spice profile.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
Save Enjoy these caramel apple spicy pretzel biscuit bars as a festive treat for any autumn occasion. They are sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, tart apples are ideal, but you can substitute pears or other firm-fleshed fruits for a twist.
- → How can I add more spice?
Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- → Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly. Just confirm caramel and pretzel labels for hidden animal products.
- → Can the base be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and pretzels to make the bars suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → What is the best way to serve these bars?
Serve cooled and sliced, optionally with vanilla ice cream or extra caramel drizzle for a luxurious treat.
- → How do I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.