Caramel Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars

Caramel Pumpkin Oatmeal Bars are my favorite fall treat.  Here is the recipe. Enjoy.

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

2 cups rolled oats

1.5 cups firmly packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon baking soda

.5 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, melted

1 cup canned pumpkin

7 oz. caramels (unwrapped- 1/2 of a 14 oz package)

2 tablespoons milk

1. Mix flour, oats, sugar, pumpkin spice, baking soda and salt in large bowl.

2.  Add butter, stir until mixture is well blended and forms coarse crumbs.  Reserve 1/2 (about 2 1/4 cups) for the topping. 

3.  Add pumpkin to remaining mixture in bowl.

4.  Stir until well blended.

5.  Press evenly into greased foil lined 13 x 9 pan.  Set aside.

6.  Microwave caramels and milk in medium microwaveable bowl on high 2-3 minutes or until caramels are completely melted, stirring after every minute.  Let stand one minute (not any longer than that, will start to harden and can't spread it well).

7.  Pour over pumpkin mixture in pan, spreading to within 1/2 inch of edges.

8.  Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes or until light golden brown.  Cool in pan on wire rack.  Lift from pan, remove foil.  Cut into bars.  Enjoy.

Yummy :)