Caramel Apple Streusel Bars

I LOVE apple pie, but I'm just not very good at making pie crusts.  Madison, on the other hand, can make the same exact recipe for crust and it turns out fabulous!  Why is that?? 

Don wanted something with apples... with Madison away at school, I figured I'd try something that would be sort of like apple pie just without the crust. The apples and caramel are so delicious together. This dessert is an easy way to get the apple pie taste without the hassle!  Thanks Pillsbury!

Recipe Inspired by: Pillsbury's Caramel Apple Streusel Bars

Ingredients

1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

2 large apples, peeled and chopped (I used granny smith apples)

1/2 cup caramel topping (see recipe below)

1/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 butter, softened

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Caramel Topping (You'll have about 1/4 cup extra)

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, warmed

pinch of salt (to taste)

In a heavy weight saucepan over mid-high heat, heat the sugar until it melts. This will take at about 10 minutes - maybe a little longer. Stir constantly so you don't burn the sugar (that would be bad). Once your sugar is melted you can add the butter. Keep stirring! Stir until you have a beautiful caramel colored smooth sauce. Be patient. It is worth the effort! Once you reach the smooth, caramel colored sauce remove the pan from the heat.  Be sure the cream is warmed all the way through. Add the cream a little at a time (be careful it will steam) and stir until well combined. Keep adding until all the cream is combined.  Salt to taste and enjoy the rich, smooth, creamy goodness.

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.  Spray a 13x9" glass baking dish with cooking spray. Unroll dough and press in the bottom and 1/2" up the sides of the pan. Be sure to press all the seams together so it is one sheet of dough.  Sprinkle apples over dough. 

In saucepan heat 1/2 cup caramel topping and 1/4 cup flour to boiling. Boil 1 minute, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and drizzle over apples. 

In a medium bowl mix brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in pecans and sprinkle over apples and caramel. Bake 20-25 minutes until top is golden brown and apples are tender. Let cool and enjoy!

NOTE: I don't have a set menu or shopping list planned this week. Madison's quarter ended at college, so she'll be home on Friday! She says she's ready to veg! She had lots of big projects this quarter, and these past few weeks have been very busy. I'm going to wait for her to get home and let her choose what she wants :).  Don't forget to get your turkey this week - yes, I almost did that once believe it or not! Publix has them on sale - of course. They also have lots of the trimmings on sale - here is my Thanksgiving Menu (give or take a few...)