Caramel Apple Bars

Submitted by Amy020

"This is from BettyCrocker.com. Warning: you can't eat just one! I'm generally a healthy eater but polished off several of these delicious beauties before they were even cool. YUMMMMMMM!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 10
• Yields: 36 bars

ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 1⁄4 cup shortening (I used butter flavor Crisco)
• 1 3⁄4 cups flour
• 1 1⁄2 cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 5 cups coarsely chopped peeled tart apples
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 14 ounces chewy caramels

directions

1. Heat oven to 400* F.
2. Mix brown sugar, butter and shortening in large bowl.
3. Stir in 1 3/4 c flour, the oats, salt and baking soda.
4. Reserve 2 c of oat mixture; press remaining mixture in ungreased 13x9x2 inches pan.
5. Toss apples and 3 T flour; spread over mixture in pan.
6. Heat caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted; pour evenly over apples (don't worry if it's not perfect- caramel will even out during baking).
7. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture; press lightly.
8. Bake 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden, apples are tender, and caramel is set.
9. Store covered in refrigerator (if they last that long!).

Reviews

[CoffeeQueen1]

I've made this twice in the past week, it's delicious! I followed recipe to a "T" except I did add some apple pie spices to spruce it up and I also used caramel ice cream topping for times sake. Its super easy and my entire family loves it! Made it for a party as well and had to hand out recipe a few times. Will definitely be added to our permanent fall baking goodies:) Thanks for posting.

 

[bmcnichol]

Very good. I followed the recipe as written other then I added the milk like other reviewers suggested and I cut the salt in half. We all enjoyed these. Made for Spring PAC 2010.

 

[Sydney Mike]

Followed the previous reviewer's suggeston & added a little milk to help the caramel spread a little better & it worked for me! These were made for a neightbor's teen party, but I managed to snag a few before delivery ~ WONDERFUL TASTING BARS, & not nearly as messy as a caramel apple! This certainly is a keeper! [Tagged, made & reviewed for one of my adoptees in the current Pick-A-Chef]

 

[Legna]

These smelt, looked and tasted delicious! I made these for my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary party. I had everything on hand, and was excited to try them. The only thing that I did differently was I added a 1 Tbsp of milk to the melted caramel to thin it out a little. Other than that they were perfect!

 

[AlansLove]

These were very good and impossible to resist while warm. The caramel was difficult to pour evenly over apples, but did somewhat even out during baking.(did not spread to edges well) Will try some cinnamon in flour mixture next time. Over all these were a tasty apple treat.