Caramel Apple Bars Recipe

Ingredients

Crust

Filling

3 to 4 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled and cut into 1/2" (1.5 cm) dice (about 4 cups)
2 tbsp (30 mL) Robin Hood Original All Purpose Flour
1 tsp (5 mL) lemon juice
14 oz (400 g) caramel candies, unwrapped

PREP TIME 20m	COOK TIME 30m	TOTAL TIME 50m
YIELD 4 dozen

Heat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease 13" x 9" x 2" (33 cm x 23 cm x 5 cm) baking 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 (375 mL) flour, salt and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture gradually.
Add in oats. Mix until blended. Reserve 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) of mixture for topping.
Press remaining mixture into prepared pan. Bake at 350ºF (175ºC) for 10 minutes.
For filling, toss apples with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) flour and lemon juice.
Distribute apple mixture evenly over partially baked crust. Press in lightly.
Place caramels in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir.
Repeat until caramels are melted. Drizzle melted caramel evenly over apples. Crumble reserved topping evenly over caramel.
Bake at 350ºF (175ºC) 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 1 1/2" (4 cm) bars. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to store.