Save to Pinterest Soft, chewy cookie bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel are an irresistible, budget-friendly treat perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet, cozy dessert.
I made these caramel apple cookie bars for a weekend get-together and they disappeared in minutes. Everyone loved the combination of the soft cookie base, juicy apples, and gooey caramel layer.
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
- Prep 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.
- Make the 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 wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Form the Base:
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the 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.
- 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 Caramel and Dough:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer. Crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces.
- Bake:
- 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 to Pinterest My kids love helping crumble the dough on top and always ask for these bars as a special treat after school. They taste just like fall in every bite.
Required Tools
For this recipe you’ll need an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk and spatula, a microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, and a sharp knife.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or additional allergens so check ingredient labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each bar has 207 calories, 7 g fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein per serving.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these bars with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect cozy treat. They make a wonderful homemade gift too!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of apples work best?
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide the best texture and flavor balance.
- → Can I substitute the caramel layer?
Yes, homemade caramel or dulce de leche can replace soft caramel candies for a richer taste.
- → How do I prevent soggy bars?
Ensure apples are well drained and slice evenly; bake until the top is golden and set for proper texture.
- → Are there nut variations?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer adds a pleasant crunch and depth of flavor.
- → How to store these bars?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain softness and flavor.