Do you have extra apples but don't feel like making a pie? Try this easy-to-make bar with layers of brown sugar and oats surrounding apples and melted caramel.

Prep: 20 min - Bake: 30 min

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 cup shortening
1 3/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4 1/2 cups coarsely chopped peeled tart apples (3 medium)
3 tablespoons Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 bag (14 ounces) caramels


1. Heat oven to 400ºF. Mix brown sugar, butter and shortening in large bowl. Stir in 1 3/4 cups flour, the oats, salt and baking soda. Reserve 2 cups oat mixture; press remaining oat mixture in ungreased rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches.

2. Toss apples and 3 tablespoons flour; spread over mixture in pan. Heat caramels over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted; pour evenly over apples. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture; press lightly.

3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender. For 36 bars, cut into 6 rows by 6 rows while warm. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 36 bars

Variation: Make a date with Date Bars: Heat 1 pound cut-up dates (3 cups), 1 1/2 cups water and 1/4 cup sugar over low heat about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened; cool. Use date mixture instead of the apples, 3 tablespoons flour and caramels.

Nutritional Info Per 1 Bar:
Calories 145 (Calories from Fat 45); Fat 5g (Saturated 3g); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 130mg; Potassium 80mg; Carbohydrate 24g (Dietary Fiber 1g); Protein 2g

Diet Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 1 Fruit; 1 Fat

This recipe displayed with permission from General Mills, Inc.