{Browned Butter + Salted Caramel} Apple Pie Bars

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup

unsalted butter

1 cup

brown sugar (lightly packed)

and 3/4 cup white flour

and 1/2 cup quick oats

1/2 tsp

salt

1/2 tsp

baking soda

and 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/4 tsp

pumpkin pie spice

and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

medium-sized granny smith apples

1 tsp

lemon juice

2 tbsp

flour

package (14 ounces) regular caramels (unwrapped (not the mini ones))

2 tbsp

half and half (or milk)

1/2 tsp

vanilla extract

Optional: sea salt for sprinkling