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 remember baking these caramel apple cookie bars with my friends during the first chilly weekend of fall. Their warmth and luscious sweet aroma filled the kitchen and everyone asked for seconds.
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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang.
- Mix Base:
- Whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Add to wet ingredients; mix just until incorporated.
- Press Dough:
- Reserve 1/2 cup dough. Press remaining dough evenly into pan.
- Make Filling:
- Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread over cookie base.
- Prepare Caramel:
- Microwave caramels and milk in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth and pourable.
- Layer Caramel:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over apples.
- Add Topping:
- Crumble reserved dough on top in small pieces.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until golden and set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Save These bars instantly became a family favorite! Cutting them into squares together and sharing them over a cozy cup of tea made for such sweet moments.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, 8x8 inch baking pan, microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, dairy, and egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or additional allergens; read product labels for details.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: approximately 207 calories, 7 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Save Enjoy these delicious cookie bars on a cool evening, paired with your favorite warm drink for extra comfort!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of apples work best for these bars?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance sweetness when baked in the bars.
- → Can I substitute the caramel layer with something else?
Yes, a drizzle of dulce de leche or homemade caramel sauce works well to maintain the gooey texture and sweetness.
- → How do I ensure the cookie base stays chewy?
Using melted butter and brown sugar helps keep the base soft and chewy. Avoid overbaking to retain moisture.
- → Is it possible to add nuts to these bars?
Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added to the apple layer for extra crunch and flavor diversity.
- → How should I store these bars for freshness?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and flavor.