Carmel Apple Bars

 

Ingredients

Base

· 2 cups all-purpose flour

· 1 cup regular rolled oats

· 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

· 1 tsp ground cinnamon

· 1/2 tsp ground ginger

· 1/2 tsp baking powder

· 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

 

Filling and assembly

· 3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced

· 3/4 cup Butter Caramel Sauce, warmed, divided

 

Steps

1) Preheat the oven to 350°F. grease an line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.

2) For the base, stir the flor, oats, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and baking powder in a large mixing bowl by hand. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is rough and crumbly.

3) Firmly press two-thirds of this mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 12 minutes, until browned just a little at the edges. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Leave the oven on.

4) For the filling, arrange the sliced apples on top of the baked crust (it’s okay if it’s still warm). Drizzle 1/2 cup of the warm caramel sauce over the apples, and then top with the remaining crumble mixture, pressing down gently.

5) Bake for 30 minutes, until lightly browned. Let cool in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature.

6) Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the pan and then chill until uncovered for at least 2 hours before slicing.

 

From: Set for the Holidays with Anna Olson: Recipes to Bring Comfort and Joy