INGREDIENTS:
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided¼ tsp salt1-½ cups cold butter, divided and sliced into cubes4 to 5 tbsp ice water8 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples (about 8 medium and I used gala)2 cups sugar, divided2 tsps apple pie spice (I used Club House Apple Pie Spice)½ tsp of vanilla extract½ cup of pecans
Spiced Salted Pecan Caramel
⅓ cup pecan butter * (store bought or homemade - alternatively use almond butter)3 tbsp maple syrup½ tsp vanilla extractA pinch of sea salt½ tsp of apple spice blend (I used Club House Apple Pie Spice)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350°F.Place 2 cups of the flour and salt in a food processor; pulse until blended. (If you don’t have a food processor feel free to whisk them together in a bowl)Add 1 cup butter and pulse until butter is the size of peas. While pulsing, add just enough ice water to form moist crumbs and a dough starts to form. (If not using food processor make the shortbread crust with a pastry cutter or two knives instead.Cut the butter into the mixture until it starts to clump and then slowly drizzle in water until a dough starts to form)Press mixture onto the bottom of a greased 13x9-inch. baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.Cool on a wire rack.While the crust is cooking prepare the apples. In a large bowl, combine apples, 1 cup sugar, vanilla and apple pie spice blend and toss to coat. Spoon over crust.Place remaining flour, butter and sugar in food processor; pulse until coarse crumbs form and add the pecans and pulse just until combined. (If not using processor cut butter in as above and then chop your pecans and toss them with the crumble)Sprinkle over apples. Bake 60-70 minutes or until golden brown and apples are tender. Cool completely on a wire rack.While the bars are baking, prepare the caramel. Place the pecan butter, maple syrup, vanilla, apple pie spice and sea salt into a small bowl and whisk. Add one or two tablespoons of warm water as needed to thin out, until you get a caramel-like textureSlice into squares and serve with a generous drizzle of the pecan caramel.
(Source: https://www.oliveandmango.com/apple-kuchen-bars-with-a-spiced-salted-pecan-caramel/)
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