Pin Soft, chewy cookie bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel, this irresistible budget-friendly treat is perfect for autumn or whenever you crave a sweet and cozy dessert.
My family always requests these caramel apple cookie bars as soon as the first crisp fall apples appear. I remember baking them with my kids as a weekend project, and now the sweet aroma means cozy evenings at home.
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 Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing 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 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.
- Melt 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).
- Add Caramel:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer.
- Top and Bake:
- Crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until top is golden and set. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Pin 
Pin My kids love helping press the dough and drizzle caramel, making these bars a fun family baking project everyone looks forward to during apple season.
Notes and Variations
Use pears instead of apples for a unique twist, or add 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer for crunch.
Required Tools
8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk and spatula, microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, sharp knife
Allergen and Nutrition Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, egg. Calories: 207, total fat: 7 g, carbohydrates: 35 g, protein: 2 g per serving.
Pin 
Pin Enjoy the sweet taste of fall in every bite. Store any leftovers for a quick treat any time you need a cozy pick-me-up.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I keep the apple layer tender?
Tossing the diced apples with sugar and cinnamon softens them during baking, ensuring a tender texture without becoming mushy.
- → Can I substitute other fruits for apples?
Pears work well as a substitute, offering a similar texture and sweetness when baked in the bars.
- → What is the best way to melt the caramel layer?
Microwaving caramels with milk in short intervals while stirring ensures a smooth, pourable caramel topping.
- → How can I add crunch to these bars?
Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple layer or sprinkle on top before baking for added texture.
- → What’s the ideal storage method to keep bars fresh?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.
