Caramel Apple Oat Squares

I love fall.  Caramel with apples is one of my favorite fall combinations.  This dish in particular combines caramel and apples, with a “crisp” twist!  It makes a big pan, so it’s great to take to a fall gathering and share with family and friends.  It also uses the convenience of canned apple pie filling, so you don’t have to spend extra time paring and slicing apples.

Here is what you will need…

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, and salt.  Cut in the butter until crumbly.

Reserve between 1 1/2 to 2 cups, and press remaining dough into the pan.  Bake the crust for 15 minutes.

While the crust is baking, melt the caramels and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat.  Stir often!

Spread the pie filling over the partially baked crust.  Top with the caramel and sprinkle with the reserved dough.  Bake until light golden brown.

Cool before cutting into squares.  I highly recommend serving with a giant scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!

Caramel Apple Oat Squares
Recipe adapted from Eagle Brand

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup oats (I prefer old-fashioned, but quick cooking will also do)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
20 caramels, unwrapped
1 21 oz can apple pie filling

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.  In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, and salt.  Cut in the butter until crumbly.  Reserve between 1 1/2 to 2 cups.  Press remaining dough into a 13″x9″ pan.  Bake for 15 minutes.

While crust is baking, melt caramels and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat.  Keep warm.

Spread pie filling over partially baked crust.  Top with caramel and sprinkle with reserved dough.  Bake 20 minutes until set and light golden brown.  Cool before cutting into squares.

Makes 12 to 20 servings.