Caramel Apple Spicy Pretzel Bars

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.