Paleo Caramel Apple Dessert Bars

These Paleo Caramel Apple Dessert Bars are an easy to make no bake treat that are perfect for the summer weather! They are made with a “graham cracker” crust and a cinnamon mousse that’s topped with caramel and apples. They are gluten free, grain free, dairy free, refined sugar free and Paleo friendly.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from a cheesecake at a local restaurant that I am obsessed with. I wanted to be able to recreate the cheesecake at home while putting my own twist on it. It’s actually the first recipe that I created and the one that started this blog. It is just now making it to the blog because each time I made it, I knew it could be better.

This is a situation where my perfectionism has paid off because these bars are absolutely delicious! The “graham cracker” crust is just the right amount of salty and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the mousse filling and caramel apple topping. I knew it was ready for the blog when my husband kept choosing it over his typical desserts!

The Three Delicious Layers

Each layer of these dessert bars brings a different flavor and texture that combine to create a delicious caramel apple taste.

• “Graham cracker” crust: This was the part of the recipe that took me so long to perfect. I tried so many different variations but using Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers gives it the most delicious taste. To make this crust, you will need a box of the crackers, ghee, and coconut sugar. You can also use maple sugar instead of the coconut sugar.
• Apple pie mousse: The middle layer is made with cashews, vanilla extract, maple syrup, salt, canned coconut milk, almond flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. All of these real ingredients are combined to create a thick and creamy mousse that has a cinnamon and apple pie taste.
• Caramel topping: The topping is hands down what makes these dessert bars so delicious. You will need green apples, cinnamon, almond butter, coconut sugar and maple syrup. You can substitute maple sugar for the coconut sugar if you prefer. The sweetness of this caramel topping with the apples and saltiness of the graham cracker crust is pure perfection.

How to Make Paleo Caramel Apple Dessert Bars

These dessert bars require no baking, just some cooling time in the freezer and refrigerator. To start, boil two cups of water in a saucepan. Pour the water over the cashews in a separate bowl, cover with foil, and set aside. Line the bottom of a 9 by 7 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside. Next, place the crackers into the food processor and blend until you have fine crumbs. Mix together the cracker crumbs, melted ghee, and coconut sugar with a spatula. Add the mixture to a 9 by 7 baking dish and use the spatula to spread creating a crust. Continue to use the spatula to press down until the crust is evenly distributed on the bottom of the dish. Place the dish in the refrigerator.

Drain the water from the cashews and add them to the food processor. Blend the cashews until they become a thick and creamy consistency. Add the vanilla extract, maple syrup, salt, canned coconut milk (cream only), almond flour, cinnamon and nutmeg to the food processor. Continue to blend until it becomes a thick, smooth consistency. Pour the mousse on top of the crust in the baking dish and use a spatula to evenly disperse the mousse over the crust. Place the dish in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.

Once the bars have been in the freezer for 20 minutes, start making the topping. Cut the apples into small pieces and toss them in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond butter, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. There are two ways you can top these bars with the caramel and apples. The first option is to place the apples on top of the mousse and pour the caramel on top. You can then cut the bars into your preferred size. The second option is to cut the bars first, add a few apples to each bar and then drizzle the caramel on top. I prefer the second option but both work great and taste the same!

Pro Tips:

• Keep the bars in the refrigerator (if you have left overs) and they will keep for up to 3 days.
• If you plan on making these ahead of time, I would suggest making the crust and mousse filling the day before. Keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat it. Make the caramel and cut the apples the day of and add it to the dish when you are ready to serve.

These Paleo Caramel Apple Dessert Bars are perfect for summer picnics, gatherings with friends and family or when you just want something sweet to eat! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram @theglutenfreegrasses so I can see how they turn out!

-Kelsey