Caramel Apple Square

3 large, 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup water
1 cup sugar, divided
2 1/2 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 3/4 cups flour
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, cold
20 caramels
1 can sweetened condensed milk


Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a pan put apples, water and 1/2 cup sugar, cook until thoroughly steamed. Combine 1/2 cup sugar 2 - 3 tablespoons flour and cinnamon; add to cooked apples, set aside. In a large bowl combine flour, oats, sugar, baking soda and salt; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture; press remainder on bottom of 13x9 pan. Bake 15 minutes. Melt caramels with sweetened condensed milk over low heat until smooth. Spoon apples over baked crust, top with caramel mixture and top with reserved crumbs. Bake for 20 minutes or until set.