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Caramel Apple Bars

February 27, 2012 by Lindsay 54 Comments

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Good Morning!

It’s Monday…. Don’t you hate how an especially great weekend makes coming back to reality just that much harder? Well, have no fear. I have something for you that might ease the pain.

Caramel.Apple.Bars.

Bursting with fall flavors, these Caramel Apple Bars are a lightened up alternative to a real caramel apple.

I know, I know, I told you I don’t like caramel. But I think I may be changing my mind. I started thinking about these as soon as I got this in the mail (free sample- all thoughts and opinions are my own):

IMG 18981

I knew the apple cinnamon would be perfect for baking. Confession- I made these 3 times over the weekend trying to get them just right.

Bursting with fall flavors, these Caramel Apple Bars are a lightened up alternative to a real caramel apple.

The first time, the taste was spot on but they were a little crumbly. The second time they were more bar like, but not sweet enough. Now they’re delicious.

Bursting with fall flavors, these Caramel Apple Bars are a lightened up alternative to a real caramel apple.

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Caramel Apple Bars

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  • Author: Lindsay L
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ c nut butter
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1– 6oz container of Apple Cinnamon greek yogurt, or vanilla yogurt
  • ¼ c brown rice syrup, or honey
  • 1 Tbsp applesauce
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • 1 c oats
  • scant 1/2 c white whole wheat flour
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/4 cup chopped apples
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 c chopped pecans
  • 20 caramels + splash of milk

Instructions

  1. 8 x 8 Pan
  2. In a medium sized bowl melt the butter and nut butter and mix well.
  3. Add the greek yogurt, egg, brown rice syrup, applesauce and vanilla.
  4. Stir in the flour, oats, baking soda and cinnamon.
  5. Add the apples and mix well.
  6. Line an 8×8 pan with foil and grease well.
  7. Spoon the mixture into the pan and spread evenly.
  8. Melt the caramels in the microwave and pour on top of the apple mixture.
  9. Top with chopped pecans.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees F.
  11. Let cool completely before cutting.

Notes

I highly recommend nuking these in the microwave before eating them!

Some other options for you:

If you really like caramel, you could melt some extra caramels and mix them into the batter.
If you’re a chocolate fan you could throw some chocolate chips into the mix or add them on top.

I used almond butter but peanut butter would work well too.

You could also top them with peanuts instead of pecans.

Hubby suggests adding a layer of apple slices to the bottom to ensure you get apples in every bite! Or even a layer of apple and caramel to the middle. Isn’t he a genius?

And finally, I didn’t have any in the freezer but I bet these would be amazing topped with some vanilla ice cream!

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @theleangreenbean on Instagram

Bursting with fall flavors, these Caramel Apple Bars are a lightened up alternative to a real caramel apple.

Pin It
  So there you have it! And as far as dessert goes, these are pretty healthy!   Today’s Workout:   pushpull1 Pin It

So dig in! Happy Monday friends 🙂
–Lindsay–

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Filed Under: Dessert Tagged With: Apple

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rachael says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:10 AM

    These look amazing. I love anything with caramel apples!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 7:51 AM

      thanks!!! my love for caramel is growing quickly

      Reply
  2. Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:13 AM

    yum!!! that new apple cinnamon chobani is sure getting a lot of attention around the blog world these days! it sure is tasty. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 7:50 AM

      it’s such a creative new flavor…i couldn’t help but use it 🙂

      Reply
  3. janetha says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:55 AM

    Yum! These bars look awesome. Don’t you hate it when you have to make things 3 or 4 times? But at least the end result was worth the effort! I like the way you think with the ice cream on top 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 7:50 AM

      gah! it’s the worst! especially these because i had to keep running to the store every time to get more caramels 🙂 but it was worth it!

      Reply
  4. Terra says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:01 AM

    I love the recipe, and definitely sounds like thirds a charm here! I am a big fan of this flavor combination, so I really love your recipe:-) Yum, Hugs, Terra

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 7:49 AM

      thanks!!

      Reply
  5. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:20 AM

    This looks delicious and I love the Chobani apple cinnamon flavor. Do you have any suggestions for nut butter substitutions? I’m allergic and also can’t do sunflower butter 🙁

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 7:59 AM

      hmmmm you could use just regular butter? i swapped some of the butter with nut butter to get some healthier fats, but you don’t really taste the nut butter so regular butter would probably work just fine. just not quite as healthy…however, probably extra delicious 🙂

      Reply
  6. Miz says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:01 AM

    oooh and my Girl would LOVE THESE!!!

    Reply
  7. Kristen @ notsodomesticated says

    February 27, 2012 at 6:52 AM

    Great use of the Chobani yogurt!! I LOVE caramel, so I’m sure I’d love these!

    Reply
  8. Lindsay @ In Sweetness and In Health says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:40 AM

    Holy yum. Those look so good! I love that you used the chobani in it. Pinning these now so I don’t forget about them 🙂

    Reply
  9. Tessa @ Amazing Asset says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:28 AM

    Mmm what a great recipe and perfect that they use a new Chobani flavor! Thank you for the idea miss 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:26 PM

      you’re welcome lady!

      Reply
  10. Tiff says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:45 AM

    Thanks for the recipe; I’m a big fan of apple desserts.

    Reply
  11. christa says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:13 AM

    Looks yummy, I’ll have to try

    Reply
  12. Tara Burner says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:25 AM

    Those look really good! I’m not normally into caramel but may have to try it..going to pin

    Reply
  13. Abby @ Abz 'n' Oats says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    Yum! 🙂 Love the pecan addition!

    Reply
  14. STUFT Mama says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:06 AM

    Oh my word those look AMAZING!!!! You can never go wrong with caramel and apple. Happy Monday!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:26 PM

      i agree! thank you so much!

      Reply
  15. Cat @ Breakfast to Bed says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:25 AM

    I LOVE apple desserts. YUMMM

    Reply
  16. Carol @ Lucky Zucca says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:50 AM

    I love you for sharing this on a Monday. Just what I needed to start the week off right!!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:26 PM

      awesome! you’re welcome 🙂

      Reply
  17. Stefanie @TheNewHealthy says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    These look so good! I just made cinnamon apple “bread” last week – I didn’t think to use the Chobani though! Great idea! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:26 PM

      yum!! it would be great in bread!

      Reply
  18. Andrea @ Vegvacious says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:57 AM

    Now I’m going to have to search out some of that Chohbani yogourt! I think a trip to Michigan will be happening in the next couple of weekends!!! These look absolutely fabulous!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:25 PM

      thanks lady 🙂 good luck searching!

      Reply
  19. Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:43 AM

    Oh man, this is not good for my Monday morning! I want them right now!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:25 PM

      haha sorry! was that mean?!

      Reply
  20. Meredith @ DareYouTo says

    February 27, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    I love when you can see the chunks of REAL FOOD in a bar. Homemade is the way to go!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:25 PM

      me too!!! and thank you 🙂

      Reply
  21. Madeline@Food,Fitness,Family says

    February 27, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    You my dear friend are a genius. Pure genius. YUM!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:25 PM

      thanks love….i try to have my moments 🙂

      Reply
  22. Talia @ Bite Size Wellness says

    February 27, 2012 at 5:11 PM

    Yummy! I feel like you could make a version of that as a granola to add on top of the Chobani yogurt. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:24 PM

      that would be delish!!!

      Reply
  23. Dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt says

    February 27, 2012 at 7:35 PM

    Absolutely have to make these!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:18 PM

      let me know what you think!

      Reply
  24. Lily says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    THESE LOOK SO GOOD! Ahhh someday I’d love to be able to create my own recipe…maybe when pigs fly? Can’t wait to try these though!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:17 PM

      you can definitely make your own recipes. just a lot of trial and error 🙂

      Reply
  25. Kierston says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    OMG. Looks so yum!!!! Pinned! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Jess says

    February 27, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    OMG should not have read this post when I am absolutely RAVENOUS after my day of travel!! It’s not even 6pm in Cali and I feel like it’s 9pm and haven’t had dinner yet. Um, can you pleeeease beam some of these bad boys over to me asap? MMM!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:17 PM

      haha i SO wish i could! hope your trip is going well 🙂

      Reply
  27. Leila @ Spinach and Skittles says

    February 27, 2012 at 9:22 PM

    That is my favorite new flavor of chobani, mmmm, perfection. These bars sound really tasty!

    Reply
  28. Susan (Oliepants) says

    February 27, 2012 at 10:57 PM

    That looks delicious – I was waiting for the recipe once I saw your Twitter post!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:14 PM

      thanks friend 🙂

      Reply
  29. KymberlyFunFit says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:06 PM

    I heard that the Cinnamon Apple flavor is the hot new one, though I am a Blood Orange gal!

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:14 PM

      blood orange is my all-time fav!!

      Reply
  30. Shannon says

    February 27, 2012 at 11:14 PM

    What could I use in exchange for nut butter and the brown rice syrup? Being in a very small, very rural area those are hard to find I’m sure.

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      February 27, 2012 at 11:17 PM

      you could probably just use all butter instead of part butter/part nut butter…or even applesauce for some of the nutter butter and some butter. for brown rice syrup you could sub honey…or even regular sugar, but you should google the exchange ratio for brown rice syrup to sugar, i think it’s a little less regular sugar.

      Reply
      • Shannon says

        February 27, 2012 at 11:19 PM

        Awesome Lindsay thanks so much. I’ll look into it, try it out, and let you know what I figure out as far as tastes etc go.

        Reply
  31. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    February 28, 2012 at 9:56 AM

    Those look fantastic. I am thinking you could easily make these both vegan and gluten-free too. Love versatile recipes!

    Reply
  32. [email protected] says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:30 PM

    yum looks awesome!! i happen to have some apple chobani in the fridge right now too…mmm

    Reply
  33. Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef says

    February 29, 2012 at 9:33 AM

    this looks fantastic! definitely a winner 🙂

    Reply

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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Questions? Comments? Email me: [email protected]

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