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Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel

Sweet Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Bliss

Healthy Gluten-Free Apple Pie Bars with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel offer a guilt-free indulgence with a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

For the Crust and Topping
  • 1 cup Gluten Free Oat Flour Substitute with all-purpose flour if not gluten-sensitive.
  • 1 cup Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats Ensure they’re gluten-free if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar is a healthier alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Essential for a warm, cozy taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Helps the bars rise.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Don’t skip this crucial ingredient.
  • 1/2 cup Butter (or Vegan Buttery Stick) Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Always opt for pure extract if possible.
For the Apple Filling
  • 4 cups Honeycrisp Apples Granny Smith can be used for a tart bite.
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup Honey can be an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch or Arrowroot Starch Necessary for ideal texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
For the Salted Peanut Butter Caramel
  • 1/2 cup Peanut Butter Creamy works best; use almond butter for nut-free versions.
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil For a smooth texture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt Enhances flavor.

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine gluten-free oat flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly and add melted butter and vanilla extract until crumbly.
  3. Press about 1 2/3 cups of the crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Chill the remaining crumble mixture in the refrigerator.
  4. Sauté thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples in a skillet with butter for 5-7 minutes. Add maple syrup, ground cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, cooking until thickened.
  5. Spread the warm apple filling over the crumb base in your pan and sprinkle the chilled crumble on top.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  7. Cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares.
  8. Combine peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, and sea salt in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth.
  9. Drizzle the salted peanut butter caramel over the top of the bars and let it set before slicing into 16 squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 90mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 6mg

Notes

Store bars in a covered container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze individual bars for up to 3 months.

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