Save to Pinterest 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 made these caramel apple cookie bars for a family picnic and they disappeared within minutes. The blend of buttery cookie, sweet apples, and gooey caramel always brings back memories of crisp autumn days at our local orchard.
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 Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract: mix 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.
- Create Layers:
- 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 to Pinterest Sharing these bars with my kids after apple picking is one of our favorite autumn traditions. We love grabbing a few to enjoy with warm cider by the fireplace.
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, and egg. Caramel candies may include soy or other allergens: always check packaging.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 207 calories, 7 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein
Save to Pinterest Try these bars warm or chilled—either way, they're sure to become a favorite for holidays and family gatherings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of apples work best for these bars?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well and balance the sweetness, but any crisp apple variety works fine.
- → Can I replace caramel with a different topping?
Yes, alternatives like butterscotch or dulce de leche can provide a similarly rich and gooey layer.
- → How do I prevent the bars from getting soggy?
Ensure apples are diced small and evenly coated with sugar and cinnamon to reduce excess moisture, and bake until the top is golden.
- → Is it possible to make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely, simply skip adding nuts or any nut-based ingredients to keep it nut-free.
- → How should I store leftover bars to keep them fresh?
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain softness and flavor.