Pin it 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 baked these caramel apple cookie bars for a weekend get-together in October, and they were gone in minutes. Everyone loved the melty caramel and warm apple filling that tastes just like fall.
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; 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.
- Press Dough:
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the dough; press the rest evenly into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Make Apple Layer:
- In a small bowl, 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 Caramel:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer.
- Top and Bake:
- 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.
Pin it My kids love helping sprinkle the dough on top before baking, and we always share these bars with neighbors during apple season.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk and spatula, 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, sharp knife, and a microwave-safe bowl
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, and egg. Caramel candies may contain soy or additional allergens—check labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains approximately 207 calories, 7 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.
Pin it Enjoy these easy caramel apple cookie bars warm or chilled: they make a delightful treat for lunchboxes and parties!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the bars soft and chewy?
Use melted butter and brown sugar for moisture, mix ingredients just until combined, and avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
- → Can I substitute different fruits for apples?
Pears work well as a substitute, offering a similar texture and mild sweetness that pairs nicely with caramel.
- → What's the best way to melt the caramel layer?
Microwave caramel pieces with milk in short intervals, stirring frequently until smooth and pourable for even layering.
- → How can I add a crunchy texture to the bars?
Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the fruit layer before adding caramel to introduce a satisfying crunch.
- → How should the bars be stored for freshness?
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to preserve softness and flavor.