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.