I opened the bottle of your vanilla extract last weekend to bake some cookies and the difference in taste is extraordinary." – Judy

Caramel Apple Bars

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Served warm, topped with ice-cream after dinner or for breakfast on a crisp fall day, Caramel Apple Bars are a comforting treat any way you slice them. Perfect for an autumn picnic, these are like a bite of fresh apple pie, conveniently packaged as a cookie bar. If you like caramel and apples, you’ll be sure to love these Caramel Apple Bars.

Caramel Apple Bars

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Ingredients

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1 cup brown sugar, packed

3/4 cup butter (1–1/2 sticks)

1–3/4 cups flour plus 3 tablespoons flour for separate use

1 teaspoon Rain’s Choice pure Vanilla Extract

1–1/2 cups oatmeal

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

4–1/2 cups coarsely chopped peeled tart apples (about 3 medium)

1 14 ounce bag of vanilla caramels

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine 1-3/4 cups flour, the oatmeal salt and baking soda.

In a medium-large bowl, mix brown sugar, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add dry ingredients and mix until all ingredients are absorbed. Set aside two cups of the dough and reserve. Press the remaining dough into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking pan.

Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of flour over the apples and toss until well-blended, then spread over the dough in the baking pan.

Heat caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally until melted. Pour evenly over apples. Top with reserved 2 cups of mixture. Press lightly.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and apples are tender.

Set baked caramel bars on a cooling rack and allow to rest for about 10 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm.

Notes

Yields about 3 dozen bars.

Note: For those of you who enjoy tree nuts, add 3/4 cup coarsely chopped and lightly toasted walnuts or pecans to the 3 tablespoons of flour that is blended with the apples.

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Patricia Rain

Patricia Rain is an author, educator, culinary historian, and owner of The Vanilla Company (www.vanillaqueen.com), a socially conscious, product-driven information and education site dedicated to the promotion of pure, natural vanilla, and the support of vanilla farmers worldwide. She also does culinary presentations for food professionals, cooking schools, trade shows, food fairs, and private groups, and is a regular radio and TV guest.

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