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 made these caramel apple cookie bars for a chilly weekend get-together, and they disappeared in minutes. The combination of tender apples, gooey caramel, and a soft cookie base always brings back fond memories of comforting autumn treats.
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.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients: mix just until incorporated.
- Form Base:
- Reserve 1/2 cup of dough: press the rest evenly into prepared pan as the base.
- Make Apple Filling:
- In small bowl, toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread apples evenly over cookie base.
- Melt Caramel:
- In microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and pourable (about 1 minute).
- Assemble Layers:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over apple layer. Crumble reserved dough over top in small pieces.
- Bake:
- Bake 28–32 minutes, or until top is golden and set. Cool completely in pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save Our whole family gathers in the kitchen for these bars, making it a part of our cozy autumn traditions. Everyone loves getting a piece with extra caramel on top.
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, egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or additional allergens—check labels carefully.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 207, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 2 g
Save Try these caramel apple cookie bars for your next gathering: their chewy texture and gooey layers always impress. Perfect with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I substitute pears for apples in this dessert?
Yes, pears provide a gentle sweetness with a slightly different texture that complements the caramel and cookie base well.
- → How do I achieve a soft and chewy texture in the bars?
Using melted butter and brown sugar helps create moisture, while careful baking ensures the bars stay tender and chewy without over-drying.
- → Can I add nuts to the apple layer?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a pleasant crunch and deepens the flavor, enhancing the overall texture of the bars.
- → What’s the best way to melt caramel for the topping?
Microwaving caramels with milk in short intervals while stirring results in a smooth and pourable layer that spreads evenly.
- → How should I store these bars to maintain freshness?
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to preserve their softness and flavor.
- → Can these bars be made vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, as the ingredients used are vegetarian, making it suitable for a vegetarian diet.