Get ready to experience a dessert that's about to revolutionize your baking game! These Apple Cider Caramel Bars are not just another sweet treat – they're a culinary adventure that combines the rich, complex flavors of reduced apple cider, luxurious caramel, and a hint of smoky intrigue. Imagine biting into a bar that perfectly balances sweet, nutty, and slightly caramelized notes, creating a dessert so irresistible that your friends and family will be begging for the recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes thick and syrupy. This should take about 15-20 minutes and yield approximately 1/4 cup of concentrated apple cider reduction.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and the apple cider reduction, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and caramel-like, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the caramel mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in the chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Optional: For a smoky flavor, lightly torch the top of the bars or sprinkle with a small amount of smoked sea salt before serving.
Tips
- Reduce the apple cider patiently: Take your time when reducing the cider to concentrate its flavors. The syrupy consistency is key to developing deep, rich taste.
- Watch your caramel carefully: When making the caramel mixture, stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, glossy texture.
- Don't overmix the batter: Fold the dry ingredients gently to maintain a tender crumb in your bars.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh apple cider and good butter make a significant difference in the final flavor.
- Let them cool completely: Patience is crucial! Allowing the bars to cool helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
- Get creative with nuts: While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, feel free to experiment with pecans, walnuts, or almonds to personalize the flavor.
- The optional smoky finish: If you're feeling adventurous, the light torch or smoked sea salt can add an unexpected and sophisticated twist to these already amazing bars.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
