Caramel Apple Bars

For times when a little indulgence is deserved, this sweet and buttery, gooey and crunchy treat is just right.

1 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 cup flour
2 Golden Delicious apples, cored and chopped
1 cup caramel candies, each cut in quarters
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9" square baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer mixture to pan and press in an even layer in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.

In the same mixing bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup flour; stir in apples, caramels, and nuts. Pour over bottom crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly; cut into quarters lengthwise and crosswise to make 16 bars. Cool completely. Makes 16 Bars.
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Caramel Apple Bars

Makes 4 Dozen Bars

CRUST:

3/4 Butter Flavor CRISCO Stick or 3/4 cup Butter Flavor CRISCO all vegetable shortening
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 egg
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 3/4 cups quick oats, uncooked

FILLING:

3 to 4 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 Tbsp. All-purpose flour
1 tsp. Lemon juice
1 bag (14 oz.) caramel candy, unwrapped Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan with shortening.

FOR CRUST, combine shortening and brown sugar in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer. Add egg to creamed mixture. Beat until well blended. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, salt and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture gradually. Add in oats. Mix until blended. Reserve 1 1/4 cups of mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

For filling:

Toss apples with 2 Tbsp. Flour and lemon juice. Distribute apple mixture evenly over partially baked crust. Press in lightly. Place caramels in Microwave safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH for 1 minutes. Stir. Repeat until caramels are melted. Drizzle melted caramel evenly over apples. Crumble reserved topping evenly over caramel.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until apples are tender and top is golden brown. Do not overbake. Loosen caramel from sides of pan with knife. Cool completely. Cut into about 1 1/2 inch bars. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to store.