Save It Soft, chewy cookie bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel are an irresistible, budget-friendly treat perfect for autumn or whenever you crave a sweet, cozy dessert. These bars combine classic flavors with simple ingredients for a delightful twist on the beloved caramel apple.
I first made these caramel apple cookie bars for a fall bake sale, and they disappeared in minutes. The combination of soft cookie base, juicy apples, and gooey caramel gets rave reviews wherever I bring them.
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 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 and mix until fully combined.
- Combine 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. Press the rest evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Prepare Apples:
- 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 & Bake:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer. 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 It My kids love helping me sprinkle the crumbly dough on top, and it always turns into a sweet family ritual when the warm, caramel bars come out of the oven. These bars are a staple at our autumn gatherings.
Notes
Substitute pears for apples for a different twist. For extra crunch, add 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer. Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Required Tools
8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk and spatula, microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, sharp knife
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 207. Total fat: 7 g. Carbohydrates: 35 g. Protein: 2 g.
Save It Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel for a heavenly finish. These bars always disappear fast, so be sure to save yourself a piece!
Common Questions About Recipes
- → What type of apples work best for these bars?
Medium apples that hold shape when baked, like Granny Smith or Fuji, work well for a tender but intact filling.
- → Can I substitute pears for apples?
Yes, pears can replace apples for a sweeter, softer fruit layer with a unique flavor twist.
- → How do I ensure the caramel layer is smooth and pourable?
Microwave caramels with milk in short intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- → Can I add nuts to these bars?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the fruit layer provides extra crunch and complements the soft texture.
- → How should I store the finished bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.