Caramel Apple Bars

Caramel Apple Bars

2 1/4  cups  all-purpose flour -- divided
2 cups  quick cooking oats
1 1/2 cups  firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon  baking soda
1/2 teaspoon  salt
1 cup  butter -- softened
4 cups  Granny Smith apple -- peeled, cored, and chopped
1 jar (12.25-ounce)  caramel ice-cream topping

Preheat oven to 350º.  Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.  Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly, set aside 2 cups of mixture.  Press remaining crumb mixture into bottom of prepared pan.  Top evenly with chopped apples.

In a small bowl, combine caramel and remaining 1/4 cup flour.  Pour evenly over apples.  Top with reserved crumb mixture.  Bake for 33 to 36 minutes, or until golden brown.  Cool completely.  chill for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars to serve.

Description: "Sally Frazier of Montgomery,  Alabama, says these treats are reminiscent of caramel apples.  She makes them for her family year-round"

Source: "Cooking with Paula Deen Nov./Dec. 2008 pg 30"

Yield: "2 dozen bars"
                                   

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 4711 Calories; 197g Fat (37.1% calories from fat); 58g Protein; 695g Carbohydrate; 33g Dietary Fiber; 497mg Cholesterol; 4347mg Sodium.  Exchanges: 21 Grain(Starch); 3 1/2 Fruit; 38 1/2 Fat; 21 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : Caramel Apple Bars are best served the day they are made.  Do not Freeze.