Save A decadent treat featuring layers of crisp spiced apples, buttery biscuit base, crunchy pretzels, and gooey caramel, perfect for autumn gatherings or a festive snack.
I first tried making these bars for a fall family movie night. The blend of spicy apples and crunchy pretzels layered with caramel quickly made it a favorite, and everyone always asks for the recipe whenever we gather during the chilly season.
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 (such as 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 the 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 the 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 the base:
- Bake the base for 1214 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the 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.
- Layer the apples:
- Spread the apple mixture over the biscuit base in an even layer.
- Add pretzels:
- Sprinkle chopped pretzels evenly over the apples.
- Drizzle caramel:
- Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the pretzel and apple layer. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Bake again:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 2022 minutes, until the caramel is bubbling and the apples are tender.
- Cool and serve:
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save Every time I make these bars, it turns into a playful moment with my kids as we drizzle caramel and sprinkle salt together. It is a wonderful way to involve the whole family and create sweet memories.
Required Tools
8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, parchment paper, sharp knife
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 2 g per serving
Serving Suggestions
Try serving warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel for an indulgent dessert experience.
Save These bars are a unique autumn dessert everyone will remember, combining comforting flavors with a spicy twist. Bake, share, and enjoy every crisp, gooey bite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute other fruits for apples?
Yes, pears work well as a substitute for apples, offering a different texture and flavor twist.
- → How do I make these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free pretzels in place of standard ingredients for a safe alternative.
- → Could I add more spice to the bars?
Increase cayenne or add ground ginger for extra heat, adjusting to your personal taste preferences.
- → What kind of apples are best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness of caramel.
- → How should the bars be served?
Allow bars to cool completely before slicing. Serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence.
- → Are there common allergens in these bars?
The bars contain wheat, dairy, and gluten. Check packaging for potential traces of nuts or soy in toppings.