Caramel Apple Crunch Bars

Ingredients

• 1.75 cups quick cooking oats
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 cup butter, softened
• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
• 0.25 cup shortening
• 4.5 cups peeled and chopped favorite apples
• 1 (16 ounce) tub Marzetti's® Old Fashioned Caramel Dip

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Combine oats, flour, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter, brown sugar, and shortening together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Mix in flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Reserve 2 cups crumb mixture. Press remaining crumb mixture into a 9×13-inch pan: spread apples evenly over top.
5. Place caramel dip in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 30 to 40 seconds or until warm. Stir until smooth. Pour over apples: sprinkle remaining crumbs on top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown and apples are tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Cut into bars while slightly warm and serve. Cover remaining bars store in refrigerator.