Save Soft, chewy cookie bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel. This irresistible treat is budget-friendly and perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet, cozy dessert.
I first baked these caramel apple cookie bars for a cozy family gathering in October. Everyone loved the gooey caramel drizzle and the soft cookie base that paired perfectly with spiced apples.
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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
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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.
- Make Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, stir until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Form Base:
- Reserve 1/2 cup of 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.
- 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 apple layer.
- Add Topping:
- Crumble reserved dough over the top in small pieces.
- Bake:
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Cool completely in pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Save These bars have become a family favorite at potlucks, and I love seeing the excitement when I slice them and caramel stretches in every bite.
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Required Tools
8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula, microwave-safe bowl, parchment paper, sharp knife
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or additional allergens. Check labels carefully.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 207, total fat: 7 g, carbohydrates: 35 g, protein: 2 g
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Enjoy these bars warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They bring a sweet touch to any gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of apples work best for this dish?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness.
- → Can I substitute the caramel layer with something else?
Yes, you can use dulce de leche or a thick butterscotch sauce for a different caramel flavor profile.
- → How do I store these bars to maintain freshness?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful.
- → What can I add for extra crunch?
Mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple layer adds a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor.
- → Is it necessary to use parchment paper in the baking pan?
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner edges, though a well-greased pan can suffice.
