Layers of spiced apple, biscuit base, pretzels, and caramel make a festive autumn dessert bar.
# Components:
→ Biscuit Base
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Apple Layer
05 - 3 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and diced
06 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
07 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
→ Pretzel & Caramel Topping
12 - 1 cup mini salted pretzels, roughly chopped
13 - 3/4 cup caramel sauce
14 - 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
# Preparation steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt in a medium bowl until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the base of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake the base for 12 to 14 minutes until the surface is lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
04 - Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and cornstarch until apples are evenly coated.
05 - Spread the seasoned apple mixture in an even layer over the cooled biscuit base.
06 - Sprinkle chopped pretzels evenly across the apple layer.
07 - Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the pretzels and apples. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
08 - Return pan to oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, until caramel is bubbling and apples are tender.
09 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with parchment and cutting into 16 pieces.
