# What you'll need:
→ Cookie Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
06 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Spiced Apple Filling
09 - 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
14 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
15 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
→ Caramel Layer
16 - 2/3 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
→ Crumble Topping
17 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
18 - 1/3 cup light brown sugar
19 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
20 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
21 - Pinch of salt
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to facilitate removal after baking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
04 - Spread approximately two-thirds of the prepared cookie dough evenly in the lined baking pan. Set aside the remaining dough for later use.
05 - In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add diced apples, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and lemon juice. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, until apples are tender and the mixture has slightly reduced. Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly.
06 - Scatter the spiced apple filling evenly over the cookie base.
07 - Pour caramel sauce evenly over the apple layer.
08 - Place spoonfuls of the reserved cookie dough on top of the caramel apples, distributing evenly.
09 - In a small bowl, combine all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold diced butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
10 - Sprinkle the crumble topping over the pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the bars are set. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
