Crisco Caramel Oatmeal Bars

Family Favorite. We use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate and we prefer pecans instead of walnuts. There are several variations to this recipe you just have to be creative.

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 36
• Yields: 3 Dozen Squares

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup  butter-flavor Crisco sticks or 3⁄4 cup  crisco butter flavor shortening
• 1 1⁄2 cups quick oats, uncooked (not instant or old fashioned)
• 3⁄4 cup  firmly packed brown sugar
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour, plus
• 3  tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
• 1⁄2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1⁄3 cups  milk chocolate chips
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped walnuts
• 1 (12 1/2ounce) jar  caramel topping

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350*F.
2. Spray bottom and sides of 9x9x2-inch pan with no-stick cooking spray; set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer combine shortening, oats, sugar, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda and cinnamon.
4. Mix at low speed until crumbs form.
5. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
6. Press remaining crumbs into prepared pan.
7. Bake 10 minutes.
8. Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts over crust.
9. In a medium bowl combine caramel topping and remaining 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
10. Stir until well blended.
11. Drizzle over chocolate chips and nuts.
12. Sprinkle reserved 1/2 cup crumbs over caramel topping.
13. Return to oven and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Run spatula around edge of pan before cooling.
15. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
16. Cut into 1-1/2x1-1/2 inch squares.