Save Chewy cookie bars layered with cinnamon-spiced apples and gooey caramel, finished with a buttery crumble topping. Perfect for autumn or any time you crave comforting fall flavors.
I first made these bars for a weekend gathering and they disappeared before dinner. The warm blend of apples and caramel brings smiles to anyone who tries them, and they're now a must-have when the leaves start to fall.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter (Cookie Base): 1 cup (225 g), softened
- Light brown sugar (Cookie Base): 1 cup (200 g), packed
- Granulated sugar (Cookie Base): 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Eggs (Cookie Base): 2 large
- Pure vanilla extract (Cookie Base): 2 tsp
- All-purpose flour (Cookie Base): 2 1/2 cups (310 g)
- Baking soda (Cookie Base): 1 tsp
- Salt (Cookie Base): 1/2 tsp
- Apples (Spiced Apple Filling): 3 medium (about 400 g), peeled, cored, diced
- Unsalted butter (Spiced Apple Filling): 2 tbsp
- Light brown sugar (Spiced Apple Filling): 1/3 cup (65 g)
- Ground cinnamon (Spiced Apple Filling): 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg (Spiced Apple Filling): 1/4 tsp
- Ground cloves (Spiced Apple Filling): 1/8 tsp
- Lemon juice (Spiced Apple Filling): 1 tbsp
- Caramel sauce (Caramel Layer): 2/3 cup (180 g), store-bought or homemade
- All-purpose flour (Crumble Topping): 3/4 cup (95 g)
- Light brown sugar (Crumble Topping): 1/3 cup (70 g)
- Unsalted butter (Crumble Topping): 1/4 cup (55 g), cold and diced
- Ground cinnamon (Crumble Topping): 1/2 tsp
- Salt (Crumble Topping): Pinch
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make cookie base:
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Layer cookie dough:
- Spread about 2/3 of the dough evenly in the prepared pan, reserving the rest for later.
- Prepare apple filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are tender and liquid is slightly reduced. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Add filling and caramel:
- Spread the spiced apples evenly over the cookie base. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
- Top with cookie dough:
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the caramel layer.
- Make crumble topping:
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the cookie dough.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until top is golden brown and set. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Save These bars were the perfect sweet ending to Sunday dinner with my family, especially when served warm with a scoop of ice cream. Everyone reached for seconds and asked for the recipe.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or hand whisk, skillet, spatula, parchment paper, pastry cutter or fork
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (butter), eggs. Caramel sauces may contain dairy, so check labels if using store-bought. Always double-check ingredient labels if you have specific allergy concerns.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 47 g, Protein: 3 g
Save Each bite reveals layers of apple, caramel, and buttery cookie. Enjoy the leftover bars as a lunchbox treat or cozy snack with hot cider.
Recipe FAQ
- → What apples work best for these bars?
Granny Smith offers tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Both pair perfectly with caramel and spices.
- → Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel is convenient. Homemade caramel elevates the flavor, but either works in this dessert.
- → How do I store the finished bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or fridge up to a week. They also freeze well.
- → Are nuts necessary for the topping?
No, nuts are optional. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or omit them for a simpler finish.
- → What tools do I need to prepare these bars?
Essential tools include a 9x13 pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, skillet, spatula, pastry cutter, and parchment paper.
- → Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Check caramel sauce labels if dairy restrictions apply.