Apple Oatmeal Bars

 Fall is the time to make and bake things using apples.  This is an easy bar recipe that is perfect for dessert, breakfast, or as a snack on the go.  Apples, oatmeal and cinnamon go together so well. 

Ingredients

3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. old fashioned Oats
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/4 c. cold butter
5 to 6 c. apples, thinly sliced
1 c. sugar
2 1/2 Tbs. cornstarch
1 to 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 c. cold water
1 tsp. vanilla
2 Tbs. butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish. 

Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda and cinnamon in a large bowl.  Using a pastry knife or 2 knives held together, cut in  the butter. The mixture should resemble course crumbs.  Remove 2 cups of the oat mixture and set aside. Press the rest of the oat mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.  

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, water, vanilla and butter. Cook and stir until the mixture comes to a boil.  Continue to cook and stir for 2 minutes or until mixture is thickened.  Add the apples, stirring to coat. Put the apples over the oat mixture and then sprinkle the top with reserved oat mixture.

Bake 35-45 minutes or until top is lightly browned.