Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

INGREDIENTS

For the filling:

2 tbsp

unsalted butter

large (or 5 medium) apples, peeled and sliced

3 tbsp

sugar

3/4 tsp

ground cinnamon

grated nutmeg

9 oz

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caramel candies

, unwrapped

2 tbsp

heavy cream

For the dough:

1 1/2 cups

all-purpose flour

1 cup

old-fashioned oats

1/3 cup

sugar

1/3 cup

brown sugar, lightly packed

3/4 tsp

baking powder

1/2 tsp

salt

1/4 tsp

ground cinnamon

12 tbsp

cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

large egg yolk

1 tsp

vanilla extract

1/2 cup

chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts (optional)