Save Soft, chewy cookie bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel make an irresistible, budget-friendly treat that's perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet, cozy dessert.
I first made these cookie bars for a fall party, and they quickly became a staple. Everyone loved the combination of sweet caramel and tart apples, and the bars disappeared in minutes!
Ingredients
- Cookie Base: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted, 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 1/4 cups (155 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt
- Apple Filling: 2 medium apples (about 250 g), peeled, cored, and diced, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Caramel Layer: 3/4 cup (180 g) soft caramels, unwrapped, 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Form Base & Reserve Dough:
- Reserve 1/2 cup of dough and press the rest evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Prepare Apple Filling:
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread apples evenly over the cookie base.
- Melt Caramel:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and pourable (about 1 minute).
- Layer and Bake:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer. Crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save My kids always help with the apple layer, and it's our favorite fall baking tradition together. These bars never last long at our family table!
Required Tools
8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk and spatula, microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 207, Total Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 35 g, Protein 2 g
Save These caramel apple cookie bars are perfect for sharing at autumn gatherings or as a sweet snack any time of year.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of apples work best for these bars?
Medium firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness that holds up well during baking.
- → How can I ensure the caramel layer is smooth and pourable?
Microwaving caramel candies with a bit of milk in short intervals while stirring helps achieve a silky, pourable consistency.
- → Can I substitute other fruits for apples?
Pears make a great alternative, offering a similar texture and mild sweetness that complements the caramel layer.
- → What is the best way to store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → How do I add extra crunch to the bars?
Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple layer for a delightful crunchy contrast.