Caramel Apple Bars

A lazy Saturday in the valley with chilly temperatures outside (again).  Time for a comfort dessert to enjoy while watching the NDSU basketball team play in the NCAA championships.  

Caramel Apple Bars

1 stick of butter, melted 
1 3/4 cups flour
1 3/4 cups quick oats
1 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 extra large egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups apples, cored and diced 
1 tbsp lemon juice (stir into diced apples)
14 oz caramels
1/4 cup milk

In a large bowl (use a large one to make mixing easy without a mess), combine the flour, oats, dark brown sugar, baking soda, sea salt and cinnamon.  Add in the cooled butter, egg and vanilla and stir until it's well combined.  In a small saucepan, melt together the caramels and milk.

Save 2 cups of the oat mixture for the topping.  Place the remaining mixture in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13 pan.  Bake for 15 minutes at 350°.   Remove from oven and top with apple slices.  Sprinkle remaining two cups of oat mixture on top.  Drizzle the caramel mixture on top.  Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.  Serve warm.