Apple Pecan Toffee Bars

By Addie

These bars reward patience. Not because they take a long time to make, but because they taste so much better when they’re completely cooled. They’re delicious warm too, but the spiced apple flavor is more pronounced when cool. The inspiration for the bars is a jar of Smucker’s Apple Cinnamon Topping. I’ve been seeing this in the stores for several weeks now (along with a Pumpkin Spice Topping that I can’t wait to try). Back in August, it seemed out of season, but now it is September and we can officially celebrate fall, despite temps in the 90s.

For the record, Smucker’s has no idea who I am. I don’t know how widely available this topping is or if you’ll be able to find it. I do have a couple of ideas for substitutes that I’ll share at the end of the recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 3/4 cup butter, melted (1 1/2 sticks)
• 2/3 cup milk
• Smucker’s Apple Cinnamon Topping *see below for substitute ideas
• 1/2 chopped pecans
• 3/4 cup toffee chips

Preparation

Step 1

In a mixer, blend the cake mix, melted butter and milk together. The batter will be thick. Put half the batter into a greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven. Spread the apple topping over the cake. Sprinkle with pecans and toffee chips. Put the rest of the batter over on top of it all. Spread it out as best you can. It is thick and it’s okay if it doesn’t completely cover the top. Bake for about 28 minutes longer, or until the cake is done. Cool completely before serving.

*If you can’t find Smucker’s Apple Cinnamon Topping, try using apple butter, or chunky applesauce or even a can of fried apples or apple pie filling. If you try one of these substitutes, let me know how it works!