Save Chewy, caramel-laced apple bars baked in a Bundt pan, loaded with tart apples, gooey caramel, and a monster swirl of chocolate and pecans. Perfect for fall gatherings or a decadent dessert.
My family requests these Monster Caramel Apple Bundt Bars every autumn. The decadent swirl is always a hit when I bring them to potlucks or holiday parties.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (melted): ½ cup
- Light brown sugar (packed): 1 cup
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Tart apples (such as Granny Smith, peeled & diced): 2 medium
- Chopped pecans: 1 cup
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: ½ cup
- Soft caramel candies (unwrapped): ½ cup
- Heavy cream: 2 tablespoons
- Optional topping: 2 tablespoons chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips, caramel sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Prep Bundt pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan and dust with flour.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well.
- Combine batter:
- Gradually fold dry mixture into wet until just combined.
- Add mix-ins:
- Fold in apples, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips.
- Make caramel swirl:
- Melt caramel candies with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second increments and stir until smooth.
- Layer & swirl:
- Spoon half the batter into pan. Drizzle half caramel over batter. Repeat with remaining batter and caramel. Swirl lightly with knife.
- Bake:
- Bake 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool & finish:
- Cool in pan 15 minutes, then invert onto rack to cool fully. Drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle pecans and mini chips, slice into bars to serve.
Save This recipe always reminds us of chilly Sunday afternoons in October when everyone gathers around the kitchen to share these bars right from the cooling rack.
Required Tools
10-inch Bundt pan, mixing bowls, whisk, microwave-safe bowl, rubber spatula, toothpick, wire rack
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 325, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 4 g
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream or pack up for a fall picnic with coffee or cider.
Save These Monster Caramel Apple Bundt Bars disappear fast anytime we make them. Enjoy every messy, delicious bite with loved ones!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, tart varieties like Granny Smith work best, but you may substitute with Gala or Honeycrisp to alter sweetness and texture.
- → How do I achieve the perfect caramel swirl?
Layer half the batter, drizzle caramel, repeat, and gently swirl with a knife for an even, marbled effect without blending too much.
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely—omit pecans or swap with seeds for a nut-free version, keeping the texture and flavor customizable.
- → Is it possible to use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, you can use ready-made caramel sauce for convenience without sacrificing moisture or flavor in the bars.
- → Do these bars need to be served warm?
They're delicious warm or at room temperature. Warming enhances gooeyness, especially when served with ice cream.