Save A decadent dessert featuring layers of tender biscuit dough, spiced apples, gooey caramel, and a crisp cinnamon-sugar churro topping.
The first time I made these bars, my kitchen filled with the aroma of cinnamon and caramel. The combination of warm apples and biscuit dough reminded me of freshly baked churros from the local fair, bringing nostalgia and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- Biscuit Base: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, 1 large egg
- Apple Filling: 3 medium apples (about 350 g) peeled, cored, diced, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/3 cup (65 g) packed light brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp cornstarch
- Caramel Layer: 1 cup (240 ml) store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
- Churro Topping: 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare Biscuit Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk milk and egg, then add to the flour mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Layer Biscuit Dough:
- Press two-thirds of biscuit dough evenly into the bottom of prepared pan. Reserve remaining dough for topping.
- Make Apple Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring, until apples are just tender (about 5–6 minutes). Sprinkle cornstarch over apples, stir, and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Assemble Layers:
- Spread apple filling evenly over biscuit base. Drizzle caramel sauce over apples.
- Add Remaining Biscuit Dough:
- Drop spoonfuls of remaining biscuit dough over caramel layer. Its fine if some apple and caramel peek through.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until top is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
- Make Churro Topping & Finish:
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon for churro topping. As soon as bars come out of oven, brush with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Cool & Slice:
- Allow bars to cool completely in pan before lifting out and slicing.
Pin it When I shared these caramel apple churro biscuit bars at our weekend gathering, everyone reached for seconds. Even my kids, who claim they do not like fruit desserts, loved the sticky caramel and cinnamon-sugar finish.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, pastry cutter or fork, skillet, spatula, pastry brush
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, butter. Check store-bought caramel for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar: Calories 320, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 49 g, Protein 4 g
Pin it Enjoy a slice of these bars with loved ones and savor every bite of cinnamon-kissed caramel goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of apples work best?
Granny Smith apples offer tartness to balance the caramel, while Honeycrisp brings extra sweetness. Both work beautifully.
- → Can I substitute the caramel sauce?
Homemade or store-bought caramel both fit the recipe. You may use salted caramel for more flavor contrast if desired.
- → Is it possible to make these bars ahead?
Yes, the bars keep well for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerated. Warm before serving if preferred.
- → Can I add nuts for texture?
Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the apple layer for added crunch and nutty depth.
- → How do I ensure the biscuit layer is tender?
Use cold butter and avoid overmixing. Press dough gently into the pan to maintain softness and airy texture.
- → What other fruits can I use?
Pears, peaches, or berries can replace half the apples, giving unique seasonal flavor variations.