Thanksgiving; Caramel Apple Baked Oat Bars

What better way to show your gratitude for your loved ones than with a homemade and heartfelt treat. These Caramel Apple Baked Oat Bars are sure to brighten up any Thanksgiving table! 

Ingredients:
Caramel Topping (optional)

• 1 (4.75 oz.) pkg. noops Caramel Pudding
• 3 Tbsp. Soy-free Plant-based Butter
• 1/3 Cup Brown sugar
• ½ tsp. Kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. Vanilla extract

Baked Oat Bars

• 1 Tbsp. Ground Flaxseed Meal
• 3 Tbsp. Warm Water
• 3 ½ C. Gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats, divided
• 2 tsp. Pumpkin Spice Blend
• 1 tsp. Baking Powder
• ¼ tsp. Baking Soda
• Pinch of Fine Sea Salt
• 1 (4.75 oz.) pkg. noops Caramel Pudding
• ¼ C. Applesauce
• 1/3 C. Maple Syrup
• 1 Red Apple, diced to ½-inch

Directions:

• If using, make the caramel sauce in advance. Combine all five ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stirring, gently simmer the mixture until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
• Prepare an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray.
• Combine the flaxseed meal and warm water. Set aside until thickened.
• Meanwhile, blend 1 C. of the oats until fine.
• In a large mixing bowl, stir together the ground oats, remaining whole oats, pumpkin spice blend, baking powder, baking soda and sea salt.
• Separately, whisk together the noops Caramel Pudding, applesauce, maple syrup, and flaxseed mixture.
• Incorporate the dry and wet mixtures before folding in half of the diced apple.
• Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Sprinkle the remaining diced apples on top and bake for 20 minutes, until just golden.
• Allow the bake to cool for 10 minutes before cutting into bars. Serve with caramel sauce or a scoop of Caramel noops Pudding.