Caramel Apple Layered Bars (Print)
Tender cookie bars layered with apples and caramel, topped with a buttery crumble—ideal for sharing any season.
# Ingredients:
→ Cookie Base and Crumble
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
06 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Apple Filling
09 - 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced small
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
→ Caramel Layer
14 - 1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped
15 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream
# Instructions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra for easy lifting.
02 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl until evenly blended.
03 - Beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully integrated into the creamed mixture.
05 - Gradually blend dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
06 - Reserve 1 cup of dough for the crumble. Press remaining dough firmly into an even layer in the prepared pan.
07 - Toss diced apples with sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
08 - Evenly distribute apple mixture over the cookie base.
09 - Combine caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle caramel over the apples.
10 - Sprinkle reserved dough evenly over the caramel and apple layers.
11 - Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and caramel is bubbling.
12 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Lift out using parchment and slice into 16 bars.
# Pro Tips:
01 -
- Irresistible layers of cookie, caramel, and apples
- Perfect for parties or comforting desserts
02 -
- Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs
- May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on caramel brand
03 -
- Cool bars fully before slicing for neat squares
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days