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 on a cool October weekend during apple season. They quickly became a family favorite, vanishing from the pan before I could even wrap up leftovers.
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 and mix until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated.
- Form 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 and Top:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer then crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes until the top is golden and set. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save My kids love helping crumble the dough on top and the sweet aroma of apples and caramel always brings everyone together in the kitchen for a first warm bite.
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—always check labels carefully.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 207, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 35 g, Protein: 2 g
Save Share these caramel apple cookie bars at your next gathering—they'll disappear fast and fill your kitchen with the best autumn aroma.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I replace apples with other fruits?
Yes, pears can be substituted for a different but equally delicious flavor, providing a soft texture and natural sweetness.
- → How can I add extra crunch to the bars?
Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the fruit layer to add a delightful crunchy contrast to the soft bars.
- → What is the best way to store these bars?
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and softness.
- → Can I use a different type of sugar for the base?
Light brown sugar is recommended for added moisture and flavor, but you can experiment with other sugars keeping texture in mind.
- → Is microwaving the caramel the only method to melt it?
No, you can also melt the caramel in a double boiler gently to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.