Caramel Apple Pie Bars

With fall comes an abundance of apples and therefore the beloved apple desserts.  This is a dessert I had been thinking about for a while and it really turned out tasty but a little messy.  I was hoping for perfect little squares when I cut it, but the crust was a little crumbly.  Oh well, like I said it tasted great and it was so much easier than making an apple pie.

Over the weekend my husband and I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary.  It was Saturday and we went to the boys six-man football game, which they won by the way.  After the game my sweet husband offered to take me to dinner, but a 45 minute drive wasn't that appealing.  Instead he cooked me a delicious dinner and we hung out with the kids.

My youngest son asked if it was my anniversary or was it Dad's anniversary.  I explained it was both,  to celebrate the day we got married.  He said, "Oh, I understand that, but why is Dad doing all this stuff for you and you aren't doing anything for Dad?"  I had a harder time explaining that one.  It's always funny what little kids think.

When you have an abundance of apples, this is a great dessert that you can throw together really quick.  I think you'll like it.

Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Ingredients:

crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted

filling:

• 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
• 1 cup dulce de leche caramel
• ½ cup pecans, chopped

Cooking Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and butter until well combined.  Press into a 13 x 9-inch pan.

In a large bowl, add apples, toss with lemon juice. Add brown sugar and flour and toss to combine.  Spread apples evenly over crust.

Heat dulce de leche in microwave for about 30 seconds.  Dollop over apples, and sprinkle with pecans.

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are softened.

Allow to cool slightly.  Serve warm or at room temperature and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you have some.

Enjoy!

Miss 

Looking for more apple desserts? You might like Apple Pie Egg Rolls or Fresh Apple Cake!