I realize that it’s Pumpkin Month now, but I couldn’t skip over the caramel apple themed goodie that I’ve been dreaming about since September.

Chewy apple bars with a square of caramel in the center?  Don’t mind if I do!

Caramel Apple Squares, yields 12 servings

• 1 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/4 cup skim milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 12 caramel squares, unwrapped

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit.  Prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish with baking spray.
2. In a large bowl, stir together applesauce, sugar, brown sugar, egg, canola oil, skim milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Fold flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon into the wet ingredients.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
5. Picture a 3 x 4 grid creating 12 squares on top of your baking dish.  Place 1 caramel into the center of each “square.”
6. Bake 40 – 45 minutes, until firm.