Caramel Apple Oatmeal Bars

Submitted by anniesnomsblog

"These Caramel Apple bars are so easy to make, yet beautifully satisfying! A crumbly oat mixture is layered with spiced apples before being baked and drizzled with caramel sauce. All of our favourite Fall flavours in one bar."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 9

ingredients

• For the filling

• 2 cups apples, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground cloves
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon plain flour

• For the oatmeal

• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, set at room temperature for 10 mins before use
• 1⁄4 cup light brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup caster sugar
• 1 1⁄2 cups oats, not quick cook
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the glaze

• 1⁄3 cup caramel (I used Carnation)
• 1 tablespoon milk

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease and line an 8x8 inch square pan.
2. Place chopped apples into a medium sized bowl. Place cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and flour into a small bowl and mix together briefly.
3. Add the spice mix to the apples and toss until the apples are covered, leave to one side.
4. Make the oat mix: Place butter, sugars, oats and vanilla into a large bowl and rub together until you have a coarse breadcrumb texture - if you have some larger lumps this is fine.
5. Tip 2/3 of the oat mixture into your lined tin and press into the tin firmly until level.
6. Sprinkle the apples on top of the oat layer and then add the remaining 1/3 mix of oats on top.
7. Press the oat mixture until level, having some apples poking through is perfect.
8. Place in the oven for 30-40 minutes until lightly golden, slightly cracked and the apples are tender when skewered.
9. Leave to cool in the tin completely before slicing into 9-12 bars.
10. Place the caramel and milk into a medium bowl and whisk until combined and smooth.
11. Drizzle or spoon glaze onto cooled bars.
12. Oatmeal bars will keep in an airtight container, at room temperature for 3 days (apple may go a little soft).