Pin 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.
These Caramel Apple Cookie Bars remind me of chilly fall afternoons spent baking with my sister. The sweet smell of apples and caramel makes the whole house feel extra welcoming.
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.
- Mix Dough:
- 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.
- Form Base:
- 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.
- Crumble Dough:
- 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 the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Pin 
Pin My kids beg for these bars after soccer practice. Slicing them together always brings laughter and sticky fingers at the table.
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, egg: Caramel candies may contain soy (check labels).
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 207: Total Fat: 7 g: Carbohydrates: 35 g: Protein: 2 g
Pin 
Pin Caramel Apple Cookie Bars are a sweet seasonal favorite everyone loves. Enjoy with warm cider or coffee for the perfect treat.
Recipe FAQ
- → What apples work best for this dessert?
Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold shape and balance sweetness with a slight tartness.
- → How can I make the caramel layer smooth?
Microwave caramels with milk in short intervals, stirring frequently until fully melted and pourable.
- → Can I replace the apples with other fruits?
Pears make a tasty alternative, adding a mellow sweetness and soft texture to the bars.
- → What gives the bars their chewy texture?
The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and egg in the base creates a soft, chewy foundation for the layers.
- → How should the bars be stored?
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness.