These caramel apple bars are gluten and refined-sugar free and made with whole food ingredients. They have a shortbread base, caramel apple filling, and are topped with a vegan white chocolate!
I realized recently, that I haven’t had an apple flavored dessert in forever! I had an abundance of apples and decided it. was. time! When I was making these, I forgot how good the smell of apples and cinnamon together is and now I’m a firm believer that apple treats need to come around all year long! These bars are super easy to make and absolutely delish, no matter the season! I always love having a healthier sweet treat prepped for the week and these are the best to stock your freezer with!
what if i don’t like apples?
You can definitely leave the chopped apples out of the recipe. They will still be just as yummy without them!
What do you need to make the caramel apple bars?
Almond flour : I haven’t tested any subs, but cashew or any other nut flour should work as long as it is as fine as almond flour. The almond flour adds a light and airy texture to the recipe.
Coconut flour : Also havne’t tested any subs.
Maple syrup: I love the maple and cinnamon flavors together but you can sub any sticky sweetener.
Cashew butter: You can sub almond or pecan butter or even sunflower butter or tahini.
Cinnamon
Apples: These are optional!
White Chocolate: I linked my favorite vegan, refined sugar-free white chocolate bars, however you can use your favorite white chocolate.
How to you make caramel apple bars:
- Mix together the base ingredients and press into a loaf pan. Bake.
- Mix together the filling ingredients and spread over the base.
- Melt the white chocolate and pour over the filling.
- Freeze, cut into bars, and enjoy!
Caramel Apple Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread base
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/3 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup super finely chopped pecans
Caramel Filling
- 1/2 cup cashew butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
- pinch of sea salt + cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4-1/3 cup super finely diced apples
White chocolate topping
- 1 1/3 cups white chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Combine the base ingredients until a smooth dough forms. Press into a lined loaf pan.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.Whisk together the caramel ingredients until smooth. Then stir in the diced apples & pecans. Spread the caramel over the base.
- Melt the white chocolate until smooth and pour it over the top, tilting the pan to cover the filling layer. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hrs to harden completely.
- Cut into bars/slices & enjoy!
