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apple cider bars - featured image

Cozy Fall Apple Cider Bars with Caramel

  • Author: Lisa
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings 1x

Description

These cozy fall apple cider bars feature a tender, cake-like base infused with reduced apple cider and topped with a rich, homemade caramel drizzle. They are easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and taste like autumn.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease well.
  2. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce by half (to about 1/2 cup) for 15-20 minutes. Let cool completely.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
  6. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider until just combined.
  7. Pour batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are golden brown and the center is set but has a slight jiggle. Remove and let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. While bars cool, make the caramel: In the saucepan, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it boils. Boil for exactly 1 minute.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  11. Pour warm caramel over the cooled bars and spread evenly. Sprinkle with nuts if using.
  12. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes to help caramel set. Remove and let cool completely at room temperature (at least 1 hour) or chill in fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best emulsion. Do not rush the cider reduction or it may burn. Cool bars completely before cutting to prevent messy caramel. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1.5 i
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 24
  • Fat: 10
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 32
  • Fiber: 0.5
  • Protein: 2

Keywords: apple cider bars, fall dessert, homemade caramel, easy baking, autumn treats, comfort food

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Find it online: https://bymiarecipes.com/cozy-fall-apple-cider-bars-easy-homemade-caramel-treats/