Caramel Apple Pecan Bars are robust in fall flavors. They’re rich, dense, and soft. You’ll love the fudgy-brownie-like texture, the chewy apples, and crunchy pecans, but above all, you’ll love how simple these bars are to make!
Although it’s still hot out, I have felt a little ‘fall’ in the air a couple of mornings on my run. What a relief! I really enjoy running much more in the cool fall air. As well, there’s football and warm cinnamony fall-flavored desserts.
That’s why I made this crazy, easy Caramel Apple Pecan Bars. If you’re not making and eating them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, well, you’re just not living! Seriously, they’re that good and totally worth skipping your meal for dessert running the extra mile!
Caramel Apple Pecan Bars
I can’t even tell you how easy these are to make. In fact, I got them in the oven between the time I got home with the boys from school (3:34) and when I had to take Lincoln to golf practice (3:49) No lie!
Not only are they realllllly easy to make, but they are also divine tasting! They are dense and spicy, much like a fudgy brownie. That’s it, they taste like the fall-caramel-apple-cinnamon-spice brownie… with fresh apples on top, that makes it totally healthy, right?
I’m going with that!
I realize starting with a cake mix is a ‘no-no’ for some people, but I embrace any and all shortcuts.
To make these soft, chewy, and gooey bars you’ll simply mix the cake mix with butter and an egg. Press that thick mixture into your baking dish. The rest of this easy recipe is simply layering the remaining ingredients on top and baking.
I told it was easy, right?
While you’re here check, out these recipes
- Oreo Cream Cheese Fluff Trifle
- Rolo Cheesecake Recipe
- 9 Margaritas to Make Now
- Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate Chunk Bread Pudding
- Oreo Cheesecake Trifle
- No-cook Strawberry Cheesecake
Caramel Apple Pecan Bars
Ingredients
- 16.5 ounce package spice cake mix
- ½ cup butter at room temperature
- 1 large egg at room temperature
- 2 large Granny Smith apples cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup pecans chopped
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven, 350° Fahrenheit.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or Wilton cake release.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine cake mix, butter, and egg.
- Press into your 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Peel and chop apples.
- Sprinkle apples over cake batter.
- Top apples with pecans.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over apples.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
Nutrition
What’s your favorite fall dessert? Do you prefer apples or pumpkin desserts?
You can also find great recipes here or at Meal Plan Monday or Weekend Potluck.
Julia says
Your caramel apple pecan bars just scream fall decliciousness!
The Better Baker says
Yum oh yum! These are just mouth-melting to look at. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Weekend Potluck!
Liz says
Yummy. Thank you!
Liz says
I would skip a run and a meal just to have one of these Caramel Bars!!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
These look amazing, Paula! I love this combination of flavors…especially at this time of year! Pinned and tweeted. 🙂
Paula says
Thanks so much Blair, I do love apple desserts
Mitzi says
I love treats with caramel and nuts, so adding the apples and spice cake sounds wonderful– will definitely give this one a try-thanks!
Heather says
I need to make this. It would be perfect to bring to thanksgiving!
Candi@A Day in Candiland says
These are a must try. They look so yummy.
Paula says
Thanks so much, Candi!
Heather M says
These look amazing. I wish wish wish I wasn’t allergic to nuts. Definitely a recipe to recommend to others though. My mouth is watering.
Debbie says
I love caramel and apples. I look forward to making these caramel apple pecan bars. Thanks for sharing.
Anna Lewis says
Taste great but mine came out more like a cake :/ still really good though!
Becca from It's Yummi! says
I’m not sure why people associate caramel and apples solely with autumn, but heck… I’ll go with it! LET’S EAT 🙂
Paula says
I think it’s because apples are ripe in the fall. I make caramel all year though. Is it bad that I keep some in the fridge for pancakes?
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
As far as I am concerned these bars have no season limit. Rich and fruity and crunch with nuts. Perfect.
Paula says
Thanks Carol! I agree.