Caramel Apple Bars

$400.00 prize winner. This came from Better Homes & Gardens. I have not tried this recipe, but I'm posting it for safe keeping.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 16 bars

Ingredients

• 1  cup  smooth peanut butter
• 3⁄4 cup  caramel flavored  ice cream topping
• 3  tablespoons  packed brown sugar
• 3  cups apples, cinnamon cherrios
• 1  cup  coarsely chopped  dried apple
• 1⁄2 cup salted peanuts, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Line an 8x8x2"-inch baking pan with foil, extending foil up over edges of pan. Butter the foil. In a large saucepan combine 3/4 cup of the peanut butter, 1/2 cup of the ice cream topping, and the brown sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat just until mixture starts to bubble. Remove from heat. Add cereal and apples; stir gently to coat. Transfer to prepared pan; press firmly into pan.
2. In a small bowl stir together remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter and 1/4 cup ice cream topping. Spread evenly over bars and sprinkle with peanuts, pressing lightly. Let bars stand 1 hour to set. Use foil to lift from pan. Cut into bars.