Caramel Apple Bars

Caramel Apple Bars

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground clove
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup grated apple, drained
1/2 cup applesauce

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
16 caramels, unwrapped
3 tablespoons milk
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13x9-inch baking dish.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, clove and nutmeg. In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on medium speed, beat together 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar until creamy - about 1 minute; beat in egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, apple and applesauce until well combined - about 1 minute. Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in flour mixture until combined.

Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack.

To make the caramel glaze, melt 6 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook for 3-4 minutes or until butter foams and turns golden brown. Reduce heat to low and stir in caramels and milk until melted; whisk in confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt until combined. Pour and spread glaze over the top of apple bars; evenly sprinkle with pecans. Cool completely before slicing.

Makes 20 bars