Matcha Caramel Apple Bars (Printable Version)
Tender apple bars with caramel, matcha, and a buttery crumble. A fusion dessert for special occasions.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Crust and Crumble
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons culinary grade matcha powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
→ Apple Filling
06 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Caramel Layer
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar
12 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang to assist removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, matcha powder, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and work in with a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
03 - Press two-thirds of the matcha crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the base of the lined pan for a uniform crust. Reserve the remaining mixture for the topping.
04 - In a separate bowl, toss thinly sliced apples with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon until evenly coated. Arrange apple mixture in an even layer over the crust.
05 - Combine heavy cream, light brown sugar, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Set over medium heat and stir until butter melts and mixture comes to a gentle boil. Simmer, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
06 - Evenly drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the arranged apples.
07 - Sprinkle reserved matcha crumble mixture evenly over the caramel and apple layers.
08 - Transfer pan to oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and caramel is bubbling at the edges.
09 - Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Use parchment overhang to lift from the pan and cut into bars once set.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses simple pantry ingredients with no fancy equipment required
- Unique fusion flavor with Japanese matcha and American caramel apple essence
- Perfect for make-ahead treats or sharing at gatherings
- Balanced sweetness so you can enjoy more than one
02 -
- High in fiber from the apples and a treat for those who love desserts that are not overly sweet
- Fusion flavors make this a conversation starter at any potluck
- Recipe can be made dairy free or vegan with easy swaps
03 -
- Always use cold butter and work it quickly into the flour for the best texture
- You can reduce sugar by a tablespoon or two in both the crust and caramel if you prefer less sweetness
- Let the caramel bubble just until slightly thickened or it may set too hard in the bars
- Trust your nose and eyes when baking the bars the top should be golden and the center gently set a little bubbling at the edges is perfect