Caramel Apple Crisp Squares
Simple Holiday Joys by: Dessert.com
6 Tbsp. butter, divided
1 cup finely CRUSHED square shortbread cookies
3 Tbsp. sugar, divided
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples (about 2 apples)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
10 Kraft Caramels
2 Tbsp. water
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 8 inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides; spray with cooking spray. Melt 2 tablespoons butter; mix with cookie crumbs and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Press onto bottom of prepared pan.
Beat cream cheese in medium bowl with mixer until creamy. Blend in eggs. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mix; beat 2 minutes. Pour over crust.
Mix cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining granulated sugar; toss with apples in medium bowl. Spoon over cream cheese batter.
Melt remaining butter. Combine flour, brown sugar and oats in separate bowl. Add butter; mix well. Sprinkle over apples.
Bake 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.
Microwave caramels and water in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Continue microwaving and stirring in 10 seconds-intervals until caramels are completely melted. Drizzle over dessert.
Refrigerate several hours or until chilled. Use foil handles to remove dessert from pan before cutting into squares.
TIPS: Variation: For a slated caramel topping, stir 1/2 tsp. salt into melted caramels before drizzling over dessert as directed.
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