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Matcha Caramel Apple Bars

Featured in: Sweet Treats

Earthy matcha meets sweet caramel in these tender apple bars, layered atop a crisp crumble base and finished with a buttery topping. Tart apples are thinly sliced and tossed with warming cinnamon, then spread across a matcha-infused crust. Rich caramel sauce is gently simmered and poured over the apples for decadent sweetness, while the reserved crumble adds texture and flavor. Bake until golden and bubbling, then cool completely for easy slicing. Perfect for teatime or as a fusion dessert, these bars offer a unique blend of Japanese and American culinary influences, all in a vegetarian-friendly treat.

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Updated on Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:52:00 GMT
Tender matcha caramel apple bars topped with buttery crumble and sweet apple slices. Save
Tender matcha caramel apple bars topped with buttery crumble and sweet apple slices. | cinnamonglow.com

Tender apple bars layered with luscious caramel and a hint of earthy matcha finished with a buttery crumble. A unique twist on classic apple bars perfect for teatime or dessert.

I first made these bars to surprise friends during a fall tea gathering and everyone raved about the tender apples and vibrant green crumble. The recipe always sparks conversation thanks to the delightful pairing of matcha and caramel.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g) for structure in the crust and crumble
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g) for the crust and 2 tbsp for apple filling to add sweetness
  • Matcha powder (culinary grade): 1 ½ tsp for earthy flavor and green color
  • Fine sea salt: ½ tsp enhances overall flavor
  • Unsalted butter, cold and cubed: ¾ cup (170 g) in crust and crumble adds richness
  • Apples, medium: 3 (about 400 g) peeled, cored, thinly sliced for juicy filling
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp brightens apple flavor
  • Ground cinnamon: ½ tsp adds warmth
  • Heavy cream: ½ cup (120 ml) base for caramel layer
  • Light brown sugar: ½ cup (100 g) sweetens and colors caramel
  • Unsalted butter (caramel): 3 tbsp gives caramel a rich finish
  • Vanilla extract: ½ tsp for subtle depth
  • Salt (caramel): pinch balances sweetness

Instructions

Prepare baking pan:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper with overhang.
Make crust and crumble:
In a large bowl whisk flour sugar matcha powder and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Form crust:
Press two-thirds of mixture into prepared pan for crust. Reserve remaining for topping.
Prepare apple filling:
Toss apples with sugar lemon juice and cinnamon. Layer evenly over crust.
Cook caramel:
In saucepan combine cream brown sugar butter vanilla and salt. Heat stirring until melted and boiling. Simmer 3 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Assemble layers:
Pour warm caramel over apples. Sprinkle reserved matcha crumble on top.
Bake:
Bake 40 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Cool and slice:
Let cool completely in pan before removing and slicing into bars.
Delicious matcha caramel apple bars served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Save
Delicious matcha caramel apple bars served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. | cinnamonglow.com

My family loves sharing these as a special treat at our autumn weekend gatherings and it has quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of extra matcha for an elegant finish.

Required Tools

Gather an 8x8-inch baking pan mixing bowls a saucepan a pastry cutter or fork parchment paper and a knife for slicing.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat gluten and dairy. May contain traces of nuts if processed matcha is used. Always check labels for allergens.

Golden-brown matcha caramel apple bars with a rich caramel layer and crunchy topping. Save
Golden-brown matcha caramel apple bars with a rich caramel layer and crunchy topping. | cinnamonglow.com

Try these bars for your next gathering to savor a blend of classic comfort and modern flavor. They are sure to delight with every bite.

Recipe FAQ Section

→ Which apples work best for these bars?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a balanced flavor when paired with sweet caramel and matcha.

→ How do I make the crumble topping extra crispy?

Ensure the butter is cold when mixing with the flour and sugar, and avoid over-mixing for a crisp crumble.

→ Can I substitute matcha powder?

If matcha is unavailable, omit it or use finely ground green tea to catch earthy notes, though flavor varies.

→ What plant-based options can be used for a vegan version?

Use vegan butter and cream alternatives for the crust and caramel, and choose plant-based milk for best results.

→ How do I know when the bars are baked?

The crumble should turn golden brown and the caramel will be bubbling around the edges for doneness.

→ What is the best way to serve these bars?

Slice once cooled and serve with a dusting of extra matcha or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Matcha Caramel Apple Bars

Earthy matcha and caramel elevate buttery apple bars as a unique fusion dessert with irresistible crumble.

Prep duration
25 min
Time to cook
40 min
Complete duration
65 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Sweet Treats

Skill level Medium

Cultural Origin Fusion (Japanese-American)

Output 12 Portion count

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Crust and Crumble

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1 1/2 teaspoons culinary grade matcha powder
04 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Apple Filling

01 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
02 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Caramel Layer

01 1/2 cup heavy cream
02 1/2 cup light brown sugar
03 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 Pinch of salt

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.

Phase 02

Mix Crust and Crumble: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, matcha powder, and sea salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Phase 03

Form Crust: Evenly press two-thirds of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a compact base. Reserve remaining mixture for topping.

Phase 04

Prepare Apple Mixture: In a separate bowl, toss sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon until evenly coated. Arrange apples in an even layer over the crust.

Phase 05

Cook Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, light brown sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until butter melts and mixture comes to a boil. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until caramel thickens slightly.

Phase 06

Assemble Layers: Pour hot caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer. Sprinkle reserved matcha crumble evenly on top.

Phase 07

Bake: Bake for 40 minutes, or until crumble topping is golden and caramel bubbles at the edges.

Phase 08

Cool and Slice: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan, then slice into twelve even portions.

Tools needed

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), dairy (milk, butter, cream).
  • Processed matcha may contain traces of nuts.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 290
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Protein Content: 2 g