Imagine sinking your teeth into a dessert that's part cookie, part magic, and entirely irresistible! These Salted Caramel Apple Magic Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgence that combines the warmth of fresh apples, the richness of caramel, and the decadence of chocolate in one mind-blowing treat. Whether you're looking to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is about to become your new obsession – so get ready to experience dessert nirvana!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a firm base.
- Spread the chopped apples in an even layer over the graham cracker crust, ensuring they are distributed uniformly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the apples, creating a consistent layer that covers the entire surface.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the coconut and apples, making sure to cover most of the surface area.
- Scatter the chocolate chips evenly across the caramel layer, distributing them for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Sprinkle the sea salt over the top, which will enhance the caramel's sweetness and add a sophisticated flavor profile.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. The cooling process allows the bars to set and makes cutting easier.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire batch out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 even squares.
- Serve at room temperature and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and baking.
- Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Press the graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a solid base for your bars.
- For extra flavor, toast the coconut before sprinkling it over the apples.
- Use high-quality caramel sauce for the most luxurious taste.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- For a more intense flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- The sea salt is crucial – it elevates the entire flavor profile, so don't skip it!
- If the edges brown too quickly while baking, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil.
- These bars taste even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make them in advance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 35mg
