Chaos Apple Pie Bars (Print Version)

Buttery bars layered with spiced apples, crumbly streusel, and rich caramel for bold texture and flavor.

# Components:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Apple Filling

05 - 5 medium apples (about 1.65 lbs), peeled, cored, and diced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
07 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

→ Streusel Topping

12 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
13 - 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
16 - 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

→ Chaos Caramel Drizzle

17 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
18 - 3 tablespoons water
19 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
20 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
21 - Pinch of sea salt

# Method:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there's an overhang for effortless bar removal.
02 - Combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt in a mixing bowl until a soft dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
03 - While the crust is baking, gently toss the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and all-purpose flour until thoroughly coated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Incorporate the cold, cubed butter using a fork or your fingertips until the mixture forms large, crumbly clumps.
05 - Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Evenly spread the prepared apple mixture over the warm crust. Generously sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple layer.
06 - Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the apples are visibly bubbling. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
07 - While the bars are cooling, prepare the caramel. In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Cook, without stirring, until the sugar transforms into a golden amber color, approximately 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and cautiously whisk in the butter, followed by the heavy cream and a pinch of sea salt. Allow this caramel to cool slightly.
08 - Once the bars have cooled, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into individual squares and generously drizzle with the prepared caramel before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just over an hour
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd
  • Easier than traditional apple pie but with all the flavor
  • Impressive presentation with minimal effort
  • Versatile for any season or occasion
02 -
  • These bars can be made a day ahead for even better flavor
  • The caramel can be made separately and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks
  • Perfect for potlucks and bake sales as they travel well
  • Each layer contributes something essential butter richness from the crust, warming spice from the apples, texture from the streusel, and decadence from the caramel
03 -
  • Always use cold butter for the streusel the colder the butter, the better the texture of your crumble topping will be. I sometimes freeze the butter for 10 minutes before cutting it into the dry ingredients.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting for clean edges. For the neatest presentation, refrigerate for an hour after cooling, then cut with a hot knife (run under hot water and wipe dry between cuts).
  • The caramel should be slightly warm but not hot when drizzling. If it becomes too thick, warm it gently in the microwave in 5second intervals until it reaches the perfect consistency.

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