CARAMEL APPLE CRISP BARS

Caramel Apple Crisp Bars image

Provided by Family Favorites

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups oats, old fashioned or quick cooking
1 1/4 cups flour, divided
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 pkg. (11 oz.) kraft caramels
2 tablespoons milk or 1/2 & 1/2
2 large baking apples (one granny smith and one gala or honeycrisp suggested.) chopped, about 2 cups

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line 13 x 9 inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Spray with cooking spray. Mix oats, 1 cup flour , baking soda and spices until blended.
3. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually, beat in oat mixture until blended. Reserve 1 cup butter mixture. Press remaining onto bottom of prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, microwave caramels and milk in microwavable bowl on HIGH for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds or until caramels are completely melted and mixture is well blended. Stir in remaining flour.
5. Sprinkle apples over crust and drizzle with caramel sauce. Crumble remaining oat mixture over caramel sauce.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely. Use foil handles to remove bars from pan before cutting into bars.