Best Apple Bars Recipe

Ingredients for Best Apple Bars

• ¼ cup butter
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• Egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• All Purpose Flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Apples
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups sifted powdered sugar
• Pecans

How to Make Best Apple Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
2. Cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in 3 cups grated apples (about 3 medium apples).
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. While the bars are baking, prepare the caramel frosting: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup butter, and ¼ cup milk.
10. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 ½ minutes, stirring constantly.
11. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups sifted powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
12. Let the bars cool slightly in the pan before spreading the caramel frosting evenly over the top.
13. Sprinkle with ½ cup chopped pecans (optional).
14. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
15. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain moisture.