Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8x8-inch pan with cooking spray, line with parchment paper, and spray again; set aside.
In a small saucepan set over low heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, stirring to dissolve and combine. Stir in cinnamon and cut apples. Allow to simmer for about 5 minutes, until apples begin to soften. Set aside to cool.
Melt remaining ½ cup butter over stove top or in microwave. Place remaining brown sugar and melted butter in a large bowl, whisking to combine. Whisk in the egg and vanilla, then add the flour and salt, stirring until just combined - don't over-mix!
Gently fold in cooled apples and caramel bits. Pour batter into prepared pan evenly.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bars are set and the edges pull slightly away from sides of pan.
Allow bars to cool in pan for 45-60 minutes before removing them and cutting. To store, place in an airtight container.