Caramel Apple Bars with a Spice Bourbon Glaze

Created by Jon

1 cup packed brown sugar

½ cup butter, softened

¼ cup shortening

1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ cup quick cooking oats

1 (14 oz) package individually wrapped caramels    

¾ cup Monin caramel apple syrup

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking soda

4 ½ cups apples, peeled, cored and chopped, or grated

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

GLAZE:

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 cup Sailor Jerry’s spiced rum

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, cream together the brown sugar, butter, shortening and the Monin Caramel Apple syrup until smooth.  In a different bowl combine 1 ¾ cup flour, oats, baking soda and salt.  Combine into the creamed mixture until well blended.  Set aside 2 cups of this mixture.  Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan.

In a medium bowl, toss apples with lemon juice and then toss them with the 3 tablespoons of flour.  Spread the apple mixture evenly over the prepared crust.  In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the caramels, stirring frequently until smooth.  Pour the melted caramels over the apples.  Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the top of the apple layer.  Press down lightly.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is golden brown and the apples are tender.

Glaze:

Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and sailor jerry’s spice rum.  Once well combined pour over the top and cut into bars.