Delicious Caramel Apple Bars

A wonderful oat crust, topped with apples and nuts baked with a caramel sauce, this is a family favorite! --- servings is only esitmated it will depend on the size you slice the bars.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 35

Ingredients

• 2  cups flour
• 2  cups quick-cooking oats
• 1 1⁄2 cups  packed brown sugar
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1⁄4 cups butter or 1 1⁄4 cups margarine
• 1 1⁄2 cups  caramel ice cream topping
• 1⁄2 cup flour
• 2  cups  coarsely chopped apples
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped walnuts or 1⁄2 cup pecans

Directions

1. Set oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease a 15 x 10" baking pan.
3. In a small pan over low heat, melt butter.
4. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 cups oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and melted butter; mix until crumbly.
5. Press half of the mixture (about 2-1/2 cups) in the prepared baking pan; bake for 8 minutes.
6. Set aside the remaining crumbs.
7. In a small pan over medium heat, combine caramel topping and 1/2 cup flour; bring to a boil, stirring constantly; boil for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
8. Spread the apples and the chopped nuts onto the baked crust.
9. Pour the hot caramel mixture evenly over apples and nuts; sprinkle reserved crumbly mixture evenly over the top of caramel.
10. Return pan to oven; bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Cool completely in the pan.
12. Cut into bars (refrigeration makes cutting easier).
13. Store tightly covered.