Save Soft, chewy cookie bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel—an irresistible, budget-friendly treat perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet, cozy dessert.
I first baked these bars for a chilly weekend get-together, and their gooey texture with pockets of warm apple made them an instant hit among friends and family.
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 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 Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Form Cookie Base:
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the dough; press the rest evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Prepare Apple Layer:
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread apples evenly over the cookie base.
- Make 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 & Bake:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer. Crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces.
- Bake & Cut:
- 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 Sharing these caramel apple cookie bars with loved ones sparks fun fall memories and always brings smiles at dessert time.
Required Tools
You'll need an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, and a sharp knife.
Nutritional Information
Each bar is approximately 207 calories, 7 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein per serving.
Notes
Substitute pears for apples for a twist, or add 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Save Enjoy these gooey, apple-packed caramel bars fresh or as a delicious after-school treat, guaranteed to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute pears for apples in this dish?
Yes, pears can be used instead of apples for a different, but equally delicious, fruity flavor.
- → How can I add extra crunch to these bars?
Mix in 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple layer to introduce a pleasant crunch.
- → What is the best way to melt the caramel layer evenly?
Microwave caramels with milk in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and pourable.
- → How long should these bars be baked?
Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the top turns golden and is set.
- → How should these bars be stored for freshness?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain softness and flavor.