Caramel Apple Bars

Bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Directions

For the crust and topping, beat the brown sugar, butter and shortening in a mixing bowl until creamy. Add the flour, oats, salt and baking soda. Beat until mixed. Reserve 2 cups of the oat mixture. Pat the remaining oat mixture over the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan.

Apple Filling

Ingredients

• 5 cups chopped peeled Granny Smith apples
• 3 Tbsp. flour
• 1 package caramels

Directions

Toss the apples with the flour in a bowl. Sprinkle the apples over the prepared layer. Heat the caramels in a small saucepan over low heat until melted, stirring frequently. Drizzle the caramel over the apples and sprinkle with the reserved oat mixture. Bake at 350 degrees F (preheated) for 25-30 minutes or until brown and bubbly. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Yield: 3-4 dozen bars.

By Robin from Washington, IA