Easy Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts
• 6 apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and sliced (about 6 cups)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Preparation Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

45-50 minutes

Difficulty Level:

1 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Unroll one of the pie crusts and place it in the prepared pan.
4. In a large bowl, combine the apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss to coat. Spread the apple mixture over the pie crust.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour. Sprinkle over the apples.
6. Drizzle the melted butter over the apple mixture.
7. Unroll the remaining pie crust and place it over the apples. Trim the edges and crimp to seal.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
9. While the bars are baking, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sugar has melted and turned a deep amber color.
10. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream. Return to medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
11. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the butter. Let cool slightly.
12. Once the bars are out of the oven, pour the caramel sauce over the top. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutritional Information:

Per bar:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15 grams
• Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
• Sodium: 150 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 53 grams
• Protein: 3 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Sweet and tart
• Creamy and chewy
• Perfect for fall gatherings

User Comments:

• "These bars are so delicious! The caramel sauce is the perfect finishing touch."
• "I love how easy these bars are to make. They're always a hit with my family."
• "The perfect dessert for any occasion."
• "I added a scoop of vanilla ice cream to mine and it was heavenly."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be careful not to overcook the caramel sauce, or it will become bitter.
• If you don't have parchment paper, you can grease the baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting them, or they will fall apart.