Loaded Caramel Apple Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 box (15.25 oz) Betty Crocker™ Apple Spice cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (15 oz) apple pie filling
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) butter, softened
• 1 cup (4 oz) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (4 oz) maple syrup
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped apple

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, and oil. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes or until well blended.
3. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Top with apple pie filling and walnuts.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together cream cheese, butter, and brown sugar.
5. Stir in maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract.
6. Top the apple layer with the cream cheese mixture. Drop remaining batter by spoonfuls on top.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before topping with pecans, caramel sauce, and chopped apple.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Sweet and indulgent
• Warm and comforting
• Easy to make
• Perfect for fall gatherings

User Comments:

• "These are the best apple bars I've ever had!" - Sarah B.
• "The caramel sauce and pecans take these bars to the next level." - John D.
• "I made these for a party and they were a huge hit." - Mary S.

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened before creaming together for easier mixing.
• If you don't have apple pie filling, you can substitute with 2 cups peeled and sliced apples.
• For a sweeter bar, add an extra 1/4 cup brown sugar to the cream cheese mixture.