Caramel Apple Cookie Bars (Printable Version)

Soft, chewy bars layered with tender apples and gooey caramel for a cozy dessert experience.

# Components:

→ Cookie Base

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1 large egg
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 - 1/4 tsp baking soda
08 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Apple Filling

09 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
10 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
11 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

→ Caramel Layer

12 - 3/4 cup soft caramels, unwrapped
13 - 2 tbsp milk

# Method Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
03 - Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to wet mixture; stir until just incorporated.
04 - Reserve 1/2 cup of the dough. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared pan to create the base layer.
05 - Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly over the cookie base.
06 - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramels and milk. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and pourable.
07 - Drizzle the melted caramel evenly over the apple filling.
08 - Crumble the reserved dough over the caramel layer in small pieces.
09 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the top is golden and set. Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to make in one pan
  • Budget-friendly dessert for any occasion
02 -
  • For extra flavor, try mixing apple varieties such as Gala and Granny Smith.
  • Check caramel ingredients for allergens if necessary.
03 -
  • Cool bars completely before cutting for clean edges.
  • Substitute pears for apples to switch up the flavor.
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