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- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter) - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon sea salt You will find these ingredients easy to get. The graham cracker crumbs make a great base. The almond butter adds creaminess, while the coconut gives a nice texture. The apples offer a fresh crunch, and the caramel sauce makes it sweet. - 1/2 cup chopped pecans Adding chopped pecans gives a lovely crunch. They also add a nutty flavor that pairs well with the apples. If you prefer no nuts, feel free to leave them out. - Almond butter can be swapped for peanut butter. - Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or agave syrup. - Granny Smith apples can be traded for Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. These swaps still keep the bars tasty. Adjust based on what you have at home. Each ingredient plays a role in the flavor. So, choose what you like best for your pie bars. To start, gather your ingredients. You need graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, almond butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon. In a mixing bowl, combine these ingredients. Mix them until they feel crumbly and well combined. Next, take an 8x8 inch baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. Now, press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the dish. Make sure you pack it tightly. This will form a sturdy crust for your bars. Now it's time to prepare the filling. Take two medium apples and peel them. Then, dice the apples into small pieces, preferably using Granny Smith apples for their tartness. In a separate bowl, toss these diced apples with caramel sauce and sea salt. Make sure the apples are well coated. This mixture will give your bars a sweet and tangy flavor. Once the filling is ready, spread it evenly over the crust in the baking dish. If you want some crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the apple layer. Drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top for added sweetness. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours. This helps the bars firm up. Once set, lift the bars out using the parchment. Cut them into squares or rectangles for serving. Enjoy your delicious no-bake caramel apple pie bars! To make a great crust, use fresh graham cracker crumbs. I like to pulse whole crackers in a food processor. This gives a nice, even texture. Mix the crumbs with coconut, almond butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Press this mix tightly into the dish. A compact crust holds up better when you cut the bars. After spreading the apple mix, consider adding toppings. Chopped pecans add a nice crunch. They also bring a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweet apples. Don't forget the caramel drizzle! A little extra caramel on top makes it look fancy and adds sweetness. You can also sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for balance. For a beautiful finish, serve the bars on a colorful platter. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the top. Add a few apple slices for color. This makes the bars look fresh and inviting. Don't forget to cut them into even squares. This makes for a tidy presentation that impresses everyone. {{image_2}} You can change the nut butter in these bars. Almond butter gives a rich taste. However, you can use peanut butter for a classic flavor. Cashew butter works too. Each butter adds a unique twist. If you want a nut-free option, try sun butter. It has a mild flavor and is safe for schools. While apples are great, other fruits can shine here. Pears are soft and sweet, making a nice swap. Cherries add a tart punch that contrasts well with caramel. You can even try berries for a bright flavor. Mix fruits for an exciting blend. Just remember to keep the fruit chopped small for easy eating. Making these bars vegan is easy. Just switch to maple syrup for sweetening. Use a nut butter without added oils. For gluten-free, choose gluten-free graham crackers. There are many brands that make them. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. You can make them fit your diet without losing flavor. To keep your no-bake caramel apple pie bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them protected. If you have leftovers, layer parchment paper between the bars. This will help prevent sticking. Always cover the container tightly to stop moisture from getting in. These bars can last up to five days in the fridge. After that, they may lose their taste and texture. If you notice any changes in smell or look, it's best to throw them out. Always check before you eat! You can freeze these bars for longer storage. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them tasty and fresh! Yes, you can use any apple you like. I often use Granny Smith for their tartness. They give a nice balance to the sweet caramel. Other good choices include Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Just make sure the apples are firm and fresh. Softer apples may turn mushy in the bars. To keep the apples from browning, you can do a few things. First, soak them in lemon juice for a few minutes. This helps slow down the browning process. You can also toss the diced apples in a bit of caramel sauce right after cutting. This adds flavor and keeps them looking fresh. Absolutely! You can make these bars a day in advance. Just prepare them as the recipe says. Then, cover the dish tightly and place it in the fridge. They will stay fresh and tasty. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting. Enjoy your sweet treat! We covered how to make tasty caramel apple bars. You learned about key ingredients, optional items, and swaps. The step-by-step guide helped you prepare the crust and filling. Tips on texture and presentation added flair. I shared fun variations and smart storage methods. Now, you can enjoy delicious bars any time. Experiment with flavors and storage ideas. Make these bars your own. Enjoy baking!

No-Bake Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Indulge in the sweetness of No-Bake Caramel Apple Pie Bars with this easy recipe! Featuring a deliciously crumbly crust made from graham crackers and almond butter, these bars are layered with caramel-coated apples and topped with crunchy pecans. Perfect for any occasion, they’re super simple to make in just 20 minutes plus chill time. Click to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to this delightful dessert!

Ingredients
  

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, almond butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Mix until fully combined and crumbly.

    Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy removal.

      Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a crust layer, packing it tightly.

        In another bowl, toss the diced apples with the caramel sauce and sea salt until well coated.

          Spread the caramel apple mixture evenly over the crust layer in the baking dish.

            If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the apples for added crunch.

              Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for extra sweetness.

                Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

                  Once set, lift the bars from the dish using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 2 hours chill time | 8 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a decorative platter, drizzled with more caramel sauce and topped with a few apple slices for a fresh garnish.