Save to Pinterest Soft, chewy cookie bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel are an irresistible and budget-friendly treat. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet, cozy dessert, these bars are sure to please everyone at the table.
I first made these Caramel Apple Cookie Bars for a family fall picnic. Watching the rich caramel melt between the apple filling and the cookie base was almost as delightful as seeing everyone reach for seconds.
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 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 dough. Press the rest evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Prepare Apple Layer:
- 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).
- Layer and Bake:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer. Crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until golden and set. Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save to Pinterest My kids always request these bars after apple picking, and I love watching them try to sneak an extra piece when no one is looking.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls and a whisk make preparation speedy, while parchment paper guarantees easy clean-up. A sharp knife helps slice neat bars for serving.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or other allergens, so always read ingredient labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each bar: 207 calories, 7 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy these bars with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting snack any time of year. Their chewy texture and gooey caramel make them absolutely irresistible.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute pears for apples?
Yes, pears provide a softer texture and subtle sweetness, making them an excellent alternative to apples in this dish.
- → How can I add crunch to these bars?
Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the fruit layer to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- → What is the best way to melt the caramel layer?
Microwave softened caramels with milk in short intervals, stirring frequently, until smooth and pourable.
- → How should these bars be stored?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients used align with a vegetarian diet, avoiding meat-based products.