Save Soft chewy cookie bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel are an irresistible budget-friendly treat perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet cozy dessert.
I first tested these cookie bars for a fall family gathering, and everyone devoured them before dinner. Their nostalgic warmth and gooey texture instantly made them a seasonal staple in our home.
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 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 Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl whisk flour baking powder baking soda and salt. Add to wet ingredients mixing just until incorporated.
- Press Base:
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the dough. Press the rest evenly into the 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.
- 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).
- Assemble:
- Drizzle caramel evenly over the apple layer. 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.
Save My kids love helping with this recipe especially layering the apples and drizzling the caramel. These bars have become our rainy day baking tradition.
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
Save Creamy caramel and sweet-tart apples make every bite irresistible. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an authentic homemade bakery treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → What apples work best for these bars?
Medium tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal to balance sweetness and maintain texture.
- → Can I substitute the caramel layer with something else?
You can replace caramel with dulce de leche or a homemade caramel sauce for a similar rich flavor and texture.
- → How do I prevent the bottom from getting soggy?
Pressing the cookie dough firmly and spreading the apple layer evenly helps keep the base crisp after baking.
- → Is it possible to add nuts to these bars?
Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer gives a pleasant crunch and complements the soft textures.
- → How should these bars be stored?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain softness and flavor.