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Caramel Apple Butter Gooey Bars

These Caramel Apple Butter Gooey Bars are fantastically gooey, rich and easy to make with an irresistible apple butter filling and a buttery caramel drizzle.
Prep Time2 hours 10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time2 hours 55 minutes
Course: Bars, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Dessert
Servings: 15 -18
Author: Hayley Parker, The Domestic Rebel

Ingredients

  • FOR CRUST:
  • 1 box spice cake mix
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter melted
  • FOR FILLING & DRIZZLE:
  • 1 (8 oz pkg) cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 cup apple butter homemade or prepared
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp apple pie spice
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 (16 oz box) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter melted
  • Caramel sauce or dulce de leche for drizzling recommended

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13x9" baking pan with foil, extending the sides of the foil over the edges of the pan. Spray the foil with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the spice cake mix, egg and melted butter until a thick dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan; set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the cream cheese, apple butter and brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute. Add in the vanilla extract, apple pie spice and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add in the box of powdered sugar, mixing well, followed by the melted butter. Beat until mixed together.
  • Pour the apple butter filling on top of the crust and bake for approximately 35-45 minutes or until just about set. The center will be slightly jiggly - that's okay as it will continue to set up as it cools. If the center is sloshing around, bake it for a little longer using 5-minute increments.
  • Cool the bars completely, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or until set. Cut into bars and drizzle with caramel sauce or dulce de leche before serving.