Get ready to transform your kitchen into a heavenly bakery with these irresistible Apple Oat Bars that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine a perfect harmony of warm, cinnamon-kissed apples, buttery oats, and rich, velvety dulce de leche melting together in every single bite. These aren't just bars - they're a slice of pure comfort that will have your family and friends begging for seconds (and the recipe). Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this dessert is about to become your new go-to treat that promises to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup dulce de leche
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Pour melted butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Press approximately two-thirds of the oat mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan, creating an even base layer. Use the back of a spatula or your hands to compact the mixture.
- Evenly distribute the diced apples across the oat base, creating a uniform layer of fruit.
- Warm the dulce de leche slightly to make it more spreadable. Drizzle and gently spread the dulce de leche over the apple layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture over the top of the dulce de leche and apples, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour. The cooling process allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the entire batch out of the pan. Cut into 16 equal bars using a sharp knife.
- Serve at room temperature. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for maintaining texture and providing a nice flavor contrast.
- Room temperature butter matters: Ensure your melted butter is evenly incorporated to create a consistent, crumbly base.
- Don't skip parchment paper: This makes removing and cutting your bars incredibly easy and prevents sticking.
- For extra richness, consider warming the dulce de leche slightly to make spreading more uniform.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices.
- For a gourmet touch, sprinkle some sea salt over the top before baking to enhance the caramel and apple flavors.
- These bars freeze beautifully - wrap individually for a quick dessert or snack anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 45mg
