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 fall potluck, and they disappeared faster than any other dessert on the table. My kids especially loved helping drizzle the warm 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.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- 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 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 Caramel:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer.
- Top & Bake:
- 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 We love enjoying these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while sharing autumn stories around the 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, egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or other allergens. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains approximately 207 calories, 7 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Save This caramel apple cookie bar recipe brings a taste of fall to any day: easy to prepare, totally crowd-pleasing, and perfect for sharing.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best for these bars?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well, providing a nice texture contrast with the soft caramel and dough.
- → Can I substitute the caramel layer with something else?
Yes, you can use homemade caramel sauce or even dulce de leche for a richer flavor, adjusting quantities as needed for consistency.
- → How do I store these bars to keep them fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to preserve their chewy texture and moist filling.
- → Is it possible to add nuts to this treat?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweetness.
- → What baking pan size is recommended?
An 8x8-inch baking pan works best for uniform thickness and baking time, ensuring even cooking throughout the bars.