Butterscotch Bars

I have the biggest sweet tooth and I have learned that if I completely cut sweets out of my diet that I end up going crazy and eat everything in sight.  So when I am needing something sweet I have learned that I can have a small piece of something and it curbs that craving.  And that little bit of something sweet is even better if its made a little bit healthier.  Cooking Light changed up this recipe to make it a little healthier.  You may even end up liking this version better!

Butterscotch Bars

A small square of these rich bars is enough to satisfy a dessert craving.  The flour and oats mixture is somewhat dry after combined but it serves as a solid base for the soft butterscotch chip layer and a crumbly, streusel-like topping.

1 cup brown sugar
5 T butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extra
1 large egg, lightly beaten
9 ounces all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
2 1/2 cups quick -cooking oats
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
Cooking spray
3/4 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1 1/4 cups butterscotch morsels
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, toasted

Preheat oven to 350.

Combine sugar and butter in a large bowl. Stir in vanilla and egg. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, oats, 1/2 tsp salt, and baking soda in a bowl. Add oat mixture to sugar mixture; stir with a fork until combined (mixture will be crumbly). Place 3 cups oat mixture into the bottom of a 9X13 PAN coated with cooking spray; press into bottom of pan. Set aside.

Place sweetened condensed milk, butterscotch morsels, and 1/8 tsp salt in a microwave safe bowl; microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until butterscotch morsels melt; stirring every 20 seconds.  Stir in walnuts. Scrap mixture into pan, spreading evenly over crust.  Sprinkle evenly with remaining oat mixture, gently pressing into butterscotch mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.  Place pan on a cooking rack; run a knife around outside edge. Cool completely.

Yield: 36 servings (serving size: 1 bar)